DIRECT AND INDIRECT QUESTIONS

USE: 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.

INFORMATION QUESTIONS

INTRODUCTORY PHRASES
D – What is her favorite movie?
I – Do you have any idea what her favorite movie is?
D – Why is your brother so excited?
I – Do you know why your brother is so excited?
D – Where were your parents last night?
I – I’d like to know where your parents were last night.
D – How was the concert?
I – Could you tell me how the concert was?
D – When will you be tonight?
I – I’d like to know when you will be tonight.

D – What time do you get up?

I – Could you tell me what time you get up?
D – Where does your boss live?
I – I’d like to know where your boss lives.
D – What does your sister always watch?
I – Do you know what your sister always watches?

D – When did you come back?

I – I was wondering when you came back.
D – Why did you get up late this morning?
I – Could you tell me why you got up late this morning?
D – What did you eat for lunch?
I – I wonder what you ate for lunch.
D – How have you been lately?
I – I’d like to know how you have been lately.

D – When can you help me? would you like to be rich?

I – Could you tell me when you can help me?
D – What should I do?
I – Can you tell me please what I should do?

YES/NO QUESTIONS
D – Is the teacher from Arequipa?
I – Do you have any idea if the teacher is from Arequipa?
D – Does Daniela study medicine?
I – Could you tell me if Daniela studies medicine?

D – Did the concert start on time?

I – I was wondering if the concert started on time.
D – Did the accident happen yesterday morning?
I – Do you know if the accident happened yesterday morning?

D – Can you help me?

I – I wonder if you can help me.
D – would you like to be rich?
I – I’d like to know if you would like to be rich.

D – Was the teacher on time?

I – Do you know whether the teacher was on time?