Study both examples:
Could you tell me what time the shop next door opens?
Do you know if (whether) Mark’s coming to the meeting?
Use:
• We use indirect questions when we want to ask a question in a more
polite way. We begin with a phrase such as Can / Could you tell me…? Do
you know…? Do you think…? Do you remember…? Would you mind telling
me…? Do you have any idea…?
• Compare:
What time does the post office open? (direct question) and Could you tell
me what time the post office opens? (indirect question)
• In indirect questions, the order is subject + verb.
Can you tell me where it is? NOT Can you tell me where is it?
• We don’t use do/did in the second part of the question.
Do you know where he lives? NOT Where does he live?
• You can use if or whether in questions without a question word and
after: Can you tell me, Do you know, etc.
• We only use question marks if the introductory phrase itself is a
question.
I’d like to know how much it costs. (Not a question)
Do you know how much it costs? (a question)
Some expressions:
Other expressions followed by the word order of indirect questions
The word order of indirect questions is used after:
I wonder…, e.g. I wonder why they didn’t come.
I’m not sure…, e.g. I’m not sure what time it starts.
I can’t remember…, e.g. I can’t remember where I left my phone.
I’d like to know…, e.g. I’d like to know what time you’re coming home.
Download “Indirect Questions Explanation” in pdf.
Download “Indirect Questions Exercise” in pdf.
“Thank you for taking the time to explore this topic with us! We hope you found the information helpful and insightful. Have any thoughts, questions, or additional examples to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Don’t forget to spread the word by sharing this blog with your friends, family, and colleagues. Together, let’s continue to learn, grow, and connect with the world around us. Happy reading and sharing!”