Indirect questions are used when wanting to sound more polite or formal.
The most important thing to get right when asking indirect questions is WORD ORDER.
Here’s a good list to help you:
WH-QUESTIONS
- Where is the station?
- What time does the film start?
- How do they feel about it?
- Where are you going?
- Where were you born?
POSITIVE WORD ORDER
- Can you tell me where the station is?
- Do you know what time the film starts?
- Do you know how they feel about it?
- May I ask where you are going?
- Could you tell me where you were born?
YES/NO QUESTIONS
- Are you planning to move?
- Does Tom like pizza?
- Did she see Mrs Craig?
- Have you met Sally?
- Was she upset?
IF/WHETHER + POSITIVE WORD ORDER
- I’d like to know if you are planning to move.
- Do you know whether Tom likes pizza?
- Do you know if she saw Mrs Craig?
- I’m not sure if you have met Sally.
- Can you tell me whether she was upset?
Read more:
Polite Expressions in English: Words, Phrases and Questions
Formal and Informal Email Phrases Starting with Greetings
Difference between POLITENESS and RESPECT
A Practical Guide to Using Diplomatic English in a Business Environment
I’m not good at asking questions in English. Can you help?