Definition / Explanation
Indirect questions are questions inside a longer phrase, often used to sound more polite, softer, or less direct. They are common after expressions such as Can you tell me...?, Do you know...?, and I wonder.... The main grammar point is that the second part does not use normal direct-question word order. Instead, it follows statement order. This structure is especially important in spoken requests, service situations, and formal communication.
Key Rules
- Use an opening phrase: Can you tell me... / Do you know... / I wonder...
- After that, use statement order, not question order.
- Compare: Where is the station? -> Can you tell me where the station is?
- Do not use do/does/did in the embedded clause if it is not needed.
- Use indirect questions to sound polite in conversations and emails.
Examples
- Can you tell me where the station is?
- Do you know what time the shop closes?
- I wonder why he left early.
- Could you explain how this machine works?
- Do you remember who called last night?
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Can you tell me where is the station? -> ✅ Can you tell me where the station is?
- ❌ Do you know what does he want? -> ✅ Do you know what he wants?
- ❌ I wonder why did she leave. -> ✅ I wonder why she left.
Tips
- Only the first part is a question. The second part behaves like a normal statement.