DIRECT AND
INDIRECT QUESTIONS
Look…
1. When does the next train leave?
2. Dou you know when the next train leave?
1. Where is the bathroom?
2. Can you tell me where the bathroom is?
1. Do you have an extra pen?
2. I wonder if you have an extra pen
They are the commonest, often used
in informal or daily life contexts.
Example
Where is the bus stop?
Do you have some money?
Is she married?
They are more “polite” than the direct. This
questions are often used in formal contexts.
They are formed of 2 parts:
 A polite expresion
 A question
Example
Could you tell me your surname?
Do you know if he is single?
I wonder if you know where the stairs are?
 Some polite expressions:
Can you tell me……….?
What do you think…….?
I wonder if………..
Could you tell me……?
I’d like to know……..
Do you know……?
Clues to recognize
1. identify a polite expression (P.E.)
2. If there is a P.E., it will be INDIRECT
3. If there is not a P.E., it will be DIRECT
Examples:
Could you tell me where the police
station is?
INDIRECT
Does Claudia sing well?
INDIRECT
Change indirect into direct
1. Delete the polite expression
2. move AM-IS-ARE before the subject
3. Add DO-DOES before the subject
Examples
Could you tell me where the police
station is?
-- Where is the Police station?
I’d like to know if you love me?
-- Do you love me?
Change direct into indirect
1. Add the polite expression
2. move AM-IS-ARE after the subject
3. Delete DO-DOES
Examples
Are the students paying attention?
-- I wonder if the students are paying
attention?
Do you have my e-mail?
-- Could you tell me if you have my
mail?
Copy these sentences in your copybook and
transform them into indirect questions.
1. What is your name?
2. Why do you want this job?
3. How much do you earn?
4. How soon can you start?
5. What is your address?
6. Do you need some help?
7. Does she speak English?
8. Where do you live?
9. Are you here for the job?
10. Where is your mother?