Indirect questions

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What is an indirect question?

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

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How do you form an indirect question from a direct question?

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To form an indirect question, you typically start with a phrase like 'Can you tell me' or 'Do you know,' followed by the direct question rephrased.

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What is the purpose of using indirect questions?

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Indirect questions are used to soften the request for information, making it more polite and less direct.

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Convert the direct question 'What time does the train leave?' into an indirect question.

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Do you know what time the train leaves?

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Convert the direct question 'Where is the station?' into an indirect question.

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Could you tell me where the station is?

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What is the difference between direct and indirect questions?

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Direct questions ask for information straightforwardly, while indirect questions embed the inquiry within a statement or another question.

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Provide an example of an indirect question using the direct question 'Did Lucy work at home yesterday?'

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Do you know if Lucy worked at home yesterday?

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Why might someone choose to use an indirect question instead of a direct question?

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Someone might use an indirect question to sound more polite, formal, or to avoid putting pressure on the person being asked.

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What phrase can be used to start an indirect question?

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Phrases like 'Can you tell me,' 'Do you know,' or 'Could you explain' can be used to start an indirect question.

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How does the structure of an indirect question differ from a direct question?

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Indirect questions often do not use the same word order as direct questions and may not require a question mark at the end.