Direct and Indirect Questions

Direct and Indirect Questions

What is an indirect question?

• It's a kind of question normally used with people you don't know well or you don't have enough confidence.

• It's a polite way to ask for information.

How to ask an indirect question?

• Use an indirect phrase. I'll give you some in the next slide.

• Change the original question to a complement.

Let's see some indirect phrases!!!

• Could you tell me...

• I wonder...

• I was wondering...

• Is it possible to know...

• May I ask you...

How to change a question to a complement?

• Change the order. It is not a question, so the auxiliar goes after the subject.

• If the auxiliar is "Do, Does or Did" remove it. You don't need it.

• Be careful with the verb. It may change because of the tense.

Some things to have in mind.

• If we have a WH word, it is our linking word.

• If we don't have any WH word, we must use either IF or WHETHER to link.

Change the following direct questions to indirect.

• Where does she work?

• How did you get it?

• Will they come too?

• Are they married?

• Which is your bag?

• Does he study with you?

Thanks guys.