Direct and indirect questions

Front

What is a direct question?

Back

A direct question is a question that asks for specific information and is typically structured to elicit a straightforward answer, often starting with words like 'what', 'where', 'when', 'who', 'why', or 'how'. Example: 'Where is the bathroom?'

Front

What is an indirect question?

Back

An indirect question is a question that is embedded within a statement or another question, often used to be more polite or formal. Example: 'Could you tell me where the bathroom is?'

Front

How do you convert a direct question into an indirect question?

Back

To convert a direct question into an indirect question, you typically change the structure and often use phrases like 'Could you tell me' or 'I was wondering'. Example: Direct: 'Where is the bathroom?' Indirect: 'Could you tell me where the bathroom is?'

Front

What is the structure of a direct question?

Back

The structure of a direct question usually follows the format: auxiliary verb + subject + main verb. Example: 'Do you like pizza?'

Front

What is the structure of an indirect question?

Back

The structure of an indirect question often follows the format: introductory phrase + subject + verb. Example: 'I wonder if you like pizza.'

Front

What is the purpose of using indirect questions?

Back

Indirect questions are used to soften the request, making it more polite or formal. They can also be used to express curiosity without directly asking.

Front

Provide an example of a direct question.

Back

Example: 'What time does the meeting start?'

Front

Provide an example of an indirect question.

Back

Example: 'Could you let me know what time the meeting starts?'

Front

What is the difference between 'Do you know where the bathroom is?' and 'Where is the bathroom?'?

Back

'Do you know where the bathroom is?' is an indirect question, while 'Where is the bathroom?' is a direct question.

Front

How do you change 'Where’s the bathroom?' into an indirect question?

Back

Change it to: 'Could you tell me where the bathroom is?'