What are indirect questions?
An indirect question is a polite way to ask for information. Instead of asking directly, you add an introductory phrase like 'Could you tell me...?' or 'Do you know...?' This makes your question sound more polite and friendly. Indirect questions are very common in everyday English, especially when speaking to people you don't know well or in formal situations.
How to form indirect questions
To form an indirect question, you start with a polite phrase, then add your question. The word order changes—you use statement word order, not question word order. This means the subject comes before the verb. For example: 'Do you know what time the train leaves?' (not 'what time does the train leave'). The introductory phrase is followed by a question word or 'if/whether', then the statement form.
Why use indirect questions?
Indirect questions are more polite than direct questions. They show respect and consideration for the person you are asking. Direct questions can sometimes sound rude or demanding, especially with strangers. Using indirect questions helps you communicate in a friendly and professional way. In business, customer service, and formal conversations, indirect questions are the best choice.
Direct vs Indirect Questions: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Direct Question | Indirect Question |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Auxiliary verb + subject + main verb (inverted / question word order) |
Introductory phrase + question word + subject + main verb (statement word order inside the embedded clause) |
| When to use | With friends, family, or in casual, informal contexts where directness is natural and expected. | In formal situations, with strangers, in professional emails, or when you want to sound polite and respectful. |
| Positive example | "Where is the nearest bank?" | "Could you tell me where the nearest bank is?" |
| Negative example | "Why didn't he call?" | "Do you know why he didn't call?" |
| Yes/No question example | "Is the office open on Saturdays?" | "I'd like to know if / whether the office is open on Saturdays." |
| Word order inside clause | Inverted: auxiliary before subject. "What does she want?" |
Normal statement order: subject before verb. "…what she wants." |
| Key signal words / introductory phrases | Question words used directly: What, Where, When, Who, Why, How, Is, Do, Did, Can… | Could you tell me…, Do you know…, I wonder…, I'd like to know…, Would you mind telling me…, Can you explain…, I was wondering… + if / whether (for yes/no questions) |
| Punctuation | Always ends with a question mark (?) | Ends with a question mark (?) if the introductory phrase is a question; ends with a full stop (.) if it is a statement. |
| Tone / register | Neutral to informal; can sound blunt or abrupt in formal contexts. | Polite, formal, and softer; shows respect for the listener and is preferred in professional or unfamiliar settings. |
| 🔑 Key Difference: The most important distinction between direct and indirect questions is word order inside the embedded clause. In a direct question, the auxiliary verb comes before the subject (inverted order). In an indirect question, the embedded clause reverts to normal subject + verb statement order — the question is "hidden" inside a polite introductory phrase. Additionally, yes/no direct questions become indirect by introducing if or whether, while do / does / did are dropped and the verb returns to its base or conjugated form matching the subject. Mastering this shift allows speakers to ask for the same information while adapting their tone to suit formal, professional, or polite social situations. | ||
Formula
Formula
Could you tell me
+
what time
+
the meeting starts
Could you tell me what time the meeting starts?
Examples
Could you tell me what your name is?
Polite introduction · Common greeting
Do you know if the restaurant is open on Sundays?
Everyday usage · Asking for information
Would you mind telling me how much this costs?
Very polite · Shopping or business
I was wondering whether you could lend me a pen.
Polite request · Casual but respectful
Can you tell me where the nearest bus stop is?
Helpful phrasing · Asking for directions
Do you happen to know when the next bus arrives?
Very polite · Shows uncertainty
When to use it
Business & Work
Use indirect questions in professional emails and meetings to sound respectful and polite.
"Would you mind telling me when the deadline is?"
Meeting New People
Ask polite indirect questions when you meet someone for the first time to show respect.
"Could you tell me what you do for work?"
Shopping & Services
Use indirect questions when asking staff in shops, restaurants, or hotels for help.
"Do you know if this shirt comes in a smaller size?"
Phone & Messages
Sound polite in phone calls and text messages by using indirect questions.
"Can you tell me if you are free this weekend?"
Signal words
Could you tell me
Do you know
Would you mind telling me
I was wondering
Can you tell me
Do you happen to know
I'd like to know
Could you possibly tell me
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
Could you tell me what time does the meeting start?
✓
Correct
Could you tell me what time the meeting starts?
Use statement word order (subject before verb) in indirect questions, not question word order.
✕
Wrong
Do you know where is the toilet?
✓
Correct
Do you know where the toilet is?
The verb 'is' comes after the subject 'toilet' in indirect questions.
✕
Wrong
Could you tell me do you speak English?
✓
Correct
Could you tell me if you speak English?
Use 'if' or 'whether' with yes/no questions in indirect form, not the question form.
✕
Wrong
I was wondering can you help me?
✓
Correct
I was wondering if you could help me?
Use statement word order after 'I was wondering', not question word order.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- Indirect questions use polite introductory phrases like "Could you tell me...?" or "Do you know...?"
- After the introductory phrase, use statement word order, not question word order.
- Indirect questions sound more polite and friendly than direct questions in formal situations.
- Don't use a question mark after the introductory phrase; use it only at the end.
- Common introductory phrases include "Could you tell me," "Do you know," and "Would you mind telling me."