2min chapter

Learning English Grammar cover image

Indirect questions

Learning English Grammar

CHAPTER

How to Answer Direct Questions in English

There are two types of indirect questions. Those that use question words like what, where, when, why and how. And those that use if or whether. All indirect questions have the same word order as statements. They do. Listen to these direct questions. Do you know when the film finishes? Have you any idea where I left my phone? Would you mind telling me how this machine works? Thanks Mike. 6 minute run from bbclearningenglish.com and we're talking about indirect questions.

00:00
Speaker 3
Do you know when the film finishes? Have you any idea where I left my phone? Would you mind telling me how this machine works?
Speaker 2
One more time please?
Speaker 3
Do you know when the film finishes? Have you any idea where I left my phone? Would you mind telling me how this machine works?
Speaker 1
Thanks Mike. Now let's talk about yes no questions. Here are some direct questions.
Speaker 3
Is this coffee for everyone? Does the canteen open for breakfast? Can I use this computer?
Speaker 2
Now listen to the indirect questions. They use statement word order again. So listen out for that and also listen out for the two words that come after the part one phrases.
Speaker 3
Do you know if this coffee is for everyone? Do you know if the canteen opens for breakfast? Do you know whether I can use this computer?
Speaker 2
One more time please?
Speaker 3
Do you know if this coffee is for everyone? Do you know if the canteen opens for breakfast? Do you know whether I can use this computer?
Speaker 1
So use if or whether in yes no questions. The meaning is the same but whether is a bit more formal than if. 6 minute run from bbclearningenglish.com And we're talking about indirect questions. That's right and
Speaker 2
we use indirect questions a lot in English especially when we're talking to people we don't know.
Speaker 1
So let's recap. There are two types of indirect questions. Those that use question words like what, where, when, why and how. And
Speaker 2
those that use if or whether.
Speaker 1
But all indirect questions have the same word order as statements. They do. Now a quick word about tenses. Listen
Speaker 2
to these direct questions.

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