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Direct and Indirect Questions Grammar

Direct questions follow typical word order of question word, auxiliary verb, subject, and main verb. Subject questions use the affirmative verb form when the question word is the subject. Indirect questions are more polite and use introductory phrases followed by the affirmative verb form rather than question form. Common spoken grammar includes two to three word questions and leaving out auxiliaries in more informal settings.

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Hanna NemO
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106 views5 pages

Direct and Indirect Questions Grammar

Direct questions follow typical word order of question word, auxiliary verb, subject, and main verb. Subject questions use the affirmative verb form when the question word is the subject. Indirect questions are more polite and use introductory phrases followed by the affirmative verb form rather than question form. Common spoken grammar includes two to three word questions and leaving out auxiliaries in more informal settings.

Uploaded by

Hanna NemO
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Direct and indirect

questions
Direct questions

*Word order is for most questions is:* Prepositions in questions:


(question word) + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + *Usually come at the end.*
Main Verb What did you go with?
What does “strategy” mean? *In very formal English, prepositions can
Have you finished yet? come at the beginning.*
With whom did you correspond?
Subject questions:
*When the question word is the subject of *use Wh- + be + subject + like to ask for a
the sentence, use the affirmative form of description of a thing or person.*
the verb.* What's your name boss like?
What happened then?
NOT What did happen then?
Indirect questions

*Use Indirect questions to ask for information in a more polite


way or to ask personal questions.
After the introductory phrase, use the affirmative form, not
the question form.*
Do you know what time the class starts?
In yes/no questions use if or Whether + the affirmative form.
I’d be interested to know whether Mike's married.
Phrases to introduce indirect questions

The following phrases are often used to introduce indirect


questions:
- Do you know
- Can Task (you) ..?
- Could you tell me
- I was wondering ...?
- I wonder …?
- I’d be interested to know …
- Do you mind me asking …?
- Have you any idea …?
- I’d like to know …
- Would you mind telling me …?
- What/why etc. + do you think …?
Spoken Grammar
*Two of three word questions are common in conversation:
A: I'm going out tonight.
B: where to? / Who with?

A:I hate spicy food. *In conversation we sometimes use the affirmative form with
B: Why's that? a rising intonation.
You're living in Save! Arabia тow?
A: didn’t go to the party. *In formal conversation we sometimes leave out the
B: How come? / Why not? auxiliary.
You been here long?
Anyone seen my bag?

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