Phrases for Indirect Questions

Could you tell me…Do you know…I was wondering…Do you have any idea…I’d like to know…Would it be possible…Is there any chance…

If we do not begin a question directly, but begin it with something like: Can you tell me…? Do you know…? I wonder if…? The word order is the same as in an affirmative statement.Direct question: What is he doing?Indirect question: Do you know what he is doing?Direct question: Where have they been?Indirect question: I wonder where they have been?

If the direct question contains the auxiliary DO, we omit it in the indirect question.Direct question: What do you want?Indirect question: Can you tell me what you want?Direct question: When did she leave?Indirect question: Do you know when she left?

In yes/no questions, if or whether is used. The word order is the same as in reported questions.Direct question: Have you seen my dog?Indirect question: Could you tell me if you have seen my dog?

INDIRECT QUESTIONS: Construct indirect questions using a question word.Why did she cry? - I don't really know ____________ .Does she speak Greek? - I will ask her ____________ .Where is Joe? - I have no idea ____________ .I'd like to know what time ____________ . - The show starts at 8 o'clock.Is he all right? - I do not know ____________ .What did he want? - I'm afraid I can't tell you ____________ .Do you know who ____________ ? - Yes, Jim Harrison is a writer.Whose car was it? - I'm not quite sure ____________ .Is this the right train? - Let's ask someone ____________ .I wonder when ____________ . But they've already got married!How long has she known him? - Well, I'd like to know myself ____________ .How much is this scarf? - Why do you want to know ____________ ?Can you tell me what ____________ ? - Her name is Maggie.Do they have any free tickets? - Let's have a look ____________ .Do you remember where ____________ ? - The boxes were in the garage.Which countries did she visit ? - To tell the truth, I haven't found out yet ____________ .

ExercisesConstruct indirect questions using a question word.What’s his name?→ I have no idea _________.Where did you buy this dress?→ I can’t remember _________.When will he come to see us?→ I don’t know _________.Why is she in such a bad mood today?→ I cannot tell you _________.Who is coming to the party?→ It’s a surprise. I’m not telling you _________.Construct indirect questions without a question word.Are the shops open on Sundays?→ I’m not sure __________________Have the Smiths gone on holiday?→ I don’t know __________________.Did he smoke?→ I won’t tell you _________.Are they speaking about us?→ I don’t understand _________.Is that good or bad?→ I’d prefer not to judge _________.Construct indirect questions.Why does he suddenly want to learn judo?→ Don’t ask me _________.Did she see us?→ I don’t know _________.Have they come back yet?→ I haven’t checked _________How is this supposed to work?→ I have no idea _________.Whose children are they?→ How am I supposed to know _________?

1 "Where's the station?"

"Can you tell me ___________________________________________ ?"

2 "Are you coming to the party?"

"Can you let me know if ___________________________________________ ?"

3 "How does it work?"

"Can you explain ___________________________________________ ?"

4 "What's the the matter?"

Please tell me ___________________________________________ ."

5 "Where are you from?"

"I'd like to know ___________________________________________ ."