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Indirect Questions

Intermediate

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to politely ask questions.

Exercise 1

Sentence Practice

Could you show me where the station is?
Do you know where his office is?
Do you know if they will be able to go hiking next week?
Do you know if it would be possible to move the date of the interview?
Do you have any idea where my cat is?
I would like to know how fast I can get to the station.
Do you happen to know when the train arrives?

Grammar Focus

What are direct and indirect questions?

A direct question is a question that starts with a question word: what, who, where, why, when, how. An 'indirect question' is a direct question inside a statement.

Direct question: "What time is it?"
→ Indirect question: "Do you know what time it is?"

When speaking, indirect questions are usually more polite or formal than direct questions.

How do we form indirect questions?

1. With the verb 'be': Switch the subject and 'be' verb:

What time is it?
→ Do you know what time it is?

2. With do/does/did: Do not switch the subject and verb. Simply remove 'do/does/did'.

Remember to change the main verb accordingly: add an -s to the main verb when you remove 'does' and change the main verb to the past tense when you remove 'did'.

Where do they live?
→ Do you know where they live?
[= not "Do you know where 'do' they live?"]

Where does she live?
→ Do you know where she lives?
[= not "Do you know where 'does' she live?"]

Where did she live?
→ Do you know where she lived?
[= not "Do you know where 'did' she live?"]

3. With other helping verbs: When a direct question has a helping verb other than 'do/does/did', switch the subject and the helping verb.

Where can I find that book?
→ Do you know where I can find that book?

4. With a question word subject: When the subject of a direct question is a question word/phrase (who, what, what time), the word order does not change.

Who runs fastest?
→ Do you know who runs fastest?

5. With yes-no questions: Use 'if' after the question markers ('do you know'). Then change the verb appropriately (for instance, make it past tense if you took out 'did').

Did she study for the exam?
→ Do you know if she studied for the exam?

Exercise 2

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogues aloud with your tutor.

Change 'Do' Questions into Indirect Questions

Where did she go?

	Haruto Could you tell me where she went?
	Mr. Nakamura Yes, I can tell you where she went.

Where does she keep her books?

	Zach I would like to know where she keeps her books.
	Ling Sure, I can tell you where she keeps her books.

Change 'Can' Questions into Indirect Questions

How can I get to the hospital?

	Carol Do you know how I can get to the hospital?
	Jim Yes, this is how you can get there.

Where can I find a headset?

	Ayako Do you have any idea where I could find a headset?
	Haruto Sorry, I don't know where you could find a headset.

Change Yes-No Questions into Indirect Questions

Could I use your car today?

	James I was wondering if I could use your car today.
	Jessica Sure, you can use my car today.

Could you come to work on Saturday?

	Manager Is there any chance that you could come to work on Saturday?
	Hyun-woo Sorry, I can't come to work on Saturday. I have plans.

Exercise 3

Find the Mistakes

Find and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Do you know where does she live?

Do you know how does it feel to go through a divorce?

Can you tell me is there a bank here?

Can you tell me where can I find a supermarket?

I'd like to know will it rain this afternoon.

I'd like to know are they interested in buying our company.

Exercise 4

Sentence Building

You're exploring London. Politely ask people for help with indirect questions. Don't forget to start with 'Excuse me!'.

Indirect Question Phrases

Do you know...?
Can/Could you tell me...?
Can/Could you show me...?
I'd like to know....
Do you happen to know...?

Things to Ask About

Example

what time, pubs close → "Excuse me. Do you know what time the pubs close?"

where, the nearest station
how, get to Big Ben
when, the next train
how, ride the bus
how, buy a bus ticket
where, eat fish and chips
where, nice pub nearby
where, the Globe Theatre