Indirect questions

Front

What is an indirect question?

Back

An indirect question is a question that is embedded within a statement or another question, often used to be more polite or formal.

Front

How do you change a direct question to an indirect question?

Back

To change a direct question to an indirect question, you typically use phrases like 'Could you tell me', 'Do you know', or 'I wonder', and adjust the word order accordingly.

Front

What is the structure of an indirect question?

Back

The structure of an indirect question usually follows the format: statement + question word + subject + verb.

Front

Example of changing a direct question to an indirect question: 'Where is the library?'

Back

Indirect: 'Could you tell me where the library is?'

Front

Why use indirect questions?

Back

Indirect questions are used to sound more polite, formal, or less intrusive when asking for information.

Front

What is the difference between direct and indirect questions?

Back

Direct questions ask for information directly (e.g., 'Where is he?'), while indirect questions embed the inquiry within a statement (e.g., 'Can you tell me where he is?').

Front

Change to indirect: 'What time does the meeting start?'

Back

Indirect: 'Could you tell me what time the meeting starts?'

Front

Change to indirect: 'Why are you late?'

Back

Indirect: 'I wonder why you are late.'

Front

Change to indirect: 'How much does this cost?'

Back

Indirect: 'Do you know how much this costs?'

Front

Change to indirect: 'When will the results be announced?'

Back

Indirect: 'Could you tell me when the results will be announced?'