openMind Level 3

Unit 3 Grammar 2

INDIRECT
QUESTIONS
 INDIRECT QUESTIONS

1. Which speakers are using indirect questions? B and C

2. What kind of question is the other speaker using? direct
3. Can you notice an error? our boss is

A: What's the time?

C: Do you know where

B: I wonder how long is our boss?
this meeting will take?
 INDIRECT QUESTIONS

1. Which indirect question sounds more polite? a

2. What structure introduces the indirect question form
in each example?

Could you tell me what

a.
What time time it is?
is it?
b. Can you tell me what
time it is?
 INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Other examples using indirect questions:

• Do you think we’ll get there by 6 o’clock?

• I wonder if it’s possible to get there by bus.

• Do you have any idea how to get to the conference

center?

• Can you tell me what I need to bring for the trip?

 INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Do you have any idea

I wonder if he’ll
how long it takes?
arrive on time.
Could you
Do you think we’ll
Do you know how tell me
be late?
we get there? what’s for
lunch?
Indirect yes/no questions are introduced by
I__________
wonder if or Do you think
____________.
Indirect information questions are introduced by
Do you know ___________________,
____________, Do you have any idea or
____________________.
Can/Could you tell me
 INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Information questions
Direct question Indirect question

How long will it take to Do you know how long it

arrive? will take to arrive?

How much does the ticket Do you have any idea how
cost? much the ticket costs?

Could you tell me what

What's the zip code?
the zip code is
_______________?
 INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Yes/No questions
Direct question Indirect question

Do you have all the you have

I wonder if __________
reservations? all the reservations
__________________.

Is it easier to plan the trip Do you know if it's easier to

online? plan the trip online?

Do you still need me to get Could you tell me if you still

supplies? need me to get supplies?
 INDIRECT QUESTIONS

What time is it? Could you tell me

what time it is?

polite
We use indirect questions to be more _______.

TIP: With indirect questions that start with

Can you tell me … or Could you tell me ...
we can add please to make them even
more polite.
 INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Watch Out!
1. Do you know how are you traveling to New York?
1. Do you know how you are traveling to New York?
2. Could you tell me what is his phone number?
2. Could you tell me what his phone number is?
3. I wonder where did she buy her watch.
3. I wonder where she bought her watch.
4. Do you have any idea where is the bathroom?
4. Do you have any idea where the bathroom is?
 INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Write down five things you would like to ask

your partner. Ask your partner about them
using indirect questions.

Can you tell me ...?

Could you tell me ...?
I wonder if ...
Do you know ...?
Do you have any idea ...?
 INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Grammar wrap-up

1. Why do we use indirect questions?

2. What is the difference in word order in direct
and indirect questions?
3. When would you use indirect questions in real
life?