Use polite introductory phrases like could you tell me or I wonder, followed by statement word order rather than question word order, as in could you tell me where the station is. For yes/no questions, use if or whether after the introductory phrase, as in I wonder if she’s coming tonight.
Grammar Rule
After the introductory phrase, the word order follows a normal statement, not a question, so there is no inversion of subject and auxiliary.
Indirect Questions (Consolidation): Rules and Examples
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Wh- question | intro phrase + wh- word + subject + verb | Could you tell me where the station is? Do you know what time it is? |
| Yes/No question | intro phrase + if/whether + subject + verb | I wonder if she’s coming tonight. Do you know whether the shop is open? |
| Reported speech | asked + if + subject + verb | She asked if I had finished the report. |
Remember: introductory phrase + statement word order; use if/whether for yes/no questions.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below forming the correct polite indirect question. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Indirect Questions – Consolidation
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you form a polite wh- question?
Use an introductory phrase followed by the wh- word and statement word order, as in could you tell me where the station is.
How do you form a polite yes/no question?
Use an introductory phrase followed by if or whether and statement word order, as in I wonder if she’s coming tonight.
Is the auxiliary inverted after the introductory phrase?
No, there is no inversion; the word order after the introductory phrase follows a normal statement.
How is this different from a direct question?
A direct question inverts the subject and auxiliary, as in where is the station, while an indirect question keeps statement word order, as in where the station is.