/Questions
B1Questions

Indirect Questions

1

What is it?

Indirect questions are polite or formal versions of direct questions. They are introduced by a phrase such as "Could you tell me...", "Do you know...", "I was wondering...", or "Can I ask...". After the introductory phrase, the word order changes to statement order (subject + verb), NOT question order. This is one of the most common errors even at advanced levels.

2

How to form it

SubjectPositiveNegativeQuestion
Direct → Indirect (yes/no)Is she coming? → Do you know if/whether she is coming?Didn't he leave? → Do you know whether he left?
Direct → Indirect (wh-)Where does he live? → Could you tell me where he lives?Why didn't she call? → I'd like to know why she didn't call.
Introductory phrasesCould you tell me... / Do you know... / I was wondering...I'm not sure... / Can you tell me... / Would you mind telling me...
With "if/whether" (yes/no)Can you tell me if there is a post office nearby?Do you know whether the train has left?
  • • After the introductory phrase, use STATEMENT word order: subject + verb (not question order).
  • • Yes/no questions → use "if" or "whether" after the introductory phrase.
  • • Wh- questions → use the wh- word after the introductory phrase, then statement order.
  • • Do NOT use "do/does/did" in the indirect question if they were only there for question structure.
  • • The tense in the indirect question often matches or shifts depending on the context.
  • • Indirect questions are commonly used to sound polite, e.g. when asking a stranger.
3

When to use it

  1. 1

    Statement word order after introductory phrase

    Can you tell me what time it is? (NOT: what time is it)

  2. 2

    "If/whether" for yes/no indirect questions

    Do you know if the café is open?

  3. 3

    Wh- word retained in indirect question

    I'd like to know where you found that.

  4. 4

    Remove "do/does/did" if only structural

    Tell me where she lives. (NOT: where does she live)

  5. 5

    More formal/polite than direct questions

    Could you tell me how to get to the station?

4

Common mistakes

Can you tell me where does she live?

Can you tell me where she lives?

After an introductory phrase, use statement order. Remove "does" and move the subject before the verb.

Do you know what time is it?

Do you know what time it is?

Statement order: subject (it) + verb (is). Not question order.

I'd like to know did he call.

I'd like to know if/whether he called.

For yes/no indirect questions, add "if/whether". Don't use question order.

5

Quick reference

  • Indirect question = introductory phrase + statement word order.
  • Yes/no indirect: add "if" or "whether" after the introductory phrase.
  • Wh- indirect: keep the wh- word, then subject + verb.
  • Remove "do/does/did" that was only there for question formation.
  • Use indirect questions to be polite or formal.
  • The most common error: keeping question word order after the introductory phrase.
6

Natural conversation example

A tourist asks for directions.

S

Sam

Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest metro station is?
L

Local

Of course! It's about three blocks that way.
S

Sam

Do you know if I need to buy a ticket before getting on?
L

Local

Yes, you do. There are machines inside.
S

Sam

I was also wondering whether there are any good restaurants nearby.
L

Local

Plenty! Can I ask what kind of food you're looking for?
S

Sam

Anything local. Do you happen to know how much a typical meal costs?
L

Local

Around fifteen to twenty euros. Would you like me to point you somewhere?

Practice Exercises

Rewrite the direct question as an indirect question using the phrase given.

  1. 1.
    Where is the bus stop? → Could you tell me ?
  2. 2.
    Is the museum open today? → Do you know ?
  3. 3.
    What time does the film start? → Can you tell me ?
  4. 4.
    Did she call? → I'd like to know .
  5. 5.
    How long does the journey take? → I was wondering .
  6. 6.
    Why did he resign? → Do you have any idea ?
  7. 7.
    Is there a cash machine nearby? → Could you tell me ?
  8. 8.
    Who is in charge? → I'd like to know .
  9. 9.
    When does the next train leave? → Can you tell me ?
  10. 10.
    Have they made a decision? → Do you know ?
Subject QuestionsAll TopicsEmbedded Questions in Statements

Now use Indirect Questions in real conversation

Grammar sticks when you use it out loud. Practise with an AI tutor who gives you instant feedback.

Speak with AI Tutor