Grammar Workshop - Indirect Questions

Indirect Questions

What are they?

Questions introduced by statements or questions are generally called indirect or embedded questions.

When and Why are They Useful?

They help to introduce questions in a polite manner. Also, these are structures that vary the validation process of information during interactions.

Elements

3 More Formal Question

1 Direct Question

2 Introductory Phrase or Question

Vary during the interaction with direct questions.

Information questions

+info

Introductory phrase or question

Examples

DIRECT: When does the training start? INDIRECT: I was wondering when the training starts.

Introductory Phrases

DIRECT: What is her issue? INDIRECT: I’d like to know what her issue is.

DIRECT: When did the client call? INDIRECT: I’m not sure when the client called.

DIRECT: What is your username? INDIRECT: Could you please tell me what your username is?

Introductory Questions

DIRECT: When did you restart the computer? INDIRECT: Would you mind telling me when you restarted the computer?

DIRECT: How often does the iPhone restart on its own? INDIRECT: Do you happen to know how often the iPhone restarts on its own?

Let's Practice!

Practice 3

Practice 1

Practice 2