Direct & Indirect Questions

Direct & Indirect Questions

1. Direct

   • A direct question is a question that can be answered (i.e., it is not a statement) and always ends in a question mark
   • (Type 1) Yes/No
     • Do you like celery?(The answer to a yes/no question will be yes or no.)
     • Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + Remainder
   • (Type 2) "Question Word"
     • What is celery salt?(The answer to a "question word" question will be some information.)
     • Questions Question Word + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + Remainder
   • (Type 3) Choice Questions.
     • Do you want garlic salt or celery salt?(The answer to a choice question will be in the question.)
     • Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + Choice 1 + "or" + Choice 2

2. Indirect

   • Indirect questions are a little more formal and polite. We use them when talking to a person we don’t know very well, or in professional situations, and their form is a little different.
   • Phrases For Indirect Questions
     • Could you tell me…, Do you know…, I was wondering…, Do you have any idea…, I’d like to know…, Would it be possible…, Is there any chance…
   • Can you tell me where MacDougal Street is?
   • The form an indirect question, again start with an indirect question phrase, such as “Can you tell me…?”