Use B1+ exercises to practice asking indirect questions. With clear grammar explanations and quizzes, you can learn how to ask polite questions and put words in the right order.
Indirect Questions Exercises
Indirect questions are a more polite and formal way to ask for information. You hear them a lot in everyday English, especially when you talk to people you don’t know well or in work settings.
What Are Indirect Questions?
A question that is part of a longer sentence is called an indirect question. It usually starts with phrases like:
- Can you tell me…
- Do you know…
- I wonder…
- Could you explain…
Example:
Direct: Where is the bank?
Indirect: Can you tell me where the bank is?
Word Order in Questions That Aren’t Direct
We use statement word order instead of question word order in indirect questions.
Example:
Direct: What time does the meeting start?
Indirect: Do you know what time the meeting starts?
The indirect question doesn’t have an auxiliary do/does/did.
Indirect Yes/No Questions
We use if or whether for yes/no questions.
Example:
Direct: Is she coming today?
Indirect: Do you know if she is coming today?
In B1+ level English, both “if” and “whether” are usually right.
Indirect Wh- Questions
We keep the question word for wh- questions, but we change the order of the words.
Example:
Direct: Where did they go?
Indirect: Can you tell me where they went?
Politeness and Use
Indirect questions are more polite and sound softer than direct questions. People often use them in polite conversation, emails, and formal writing.
Example:
I was wondering if you could help me.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- How to use question word order in indirect questions.
Incorrect: Can you tell me where is the station?
Correct: Can you tell me where the station is? - Not remembering to use “if” or “whether” in yes/no questions.
Indirect questions are a polite and correct way to ask for information. Don’t forget to use the right linking words and the right order for your statements. If you practice indirect questions, your spoken and written English will get better, especially in formal situations.
