- Putting English to Work

Polite Questions

Indirect Questions

Indirect questions are used as a more polite, formal form of questioning. The information requested remains the same as in direct questions. Introduce the question with an introductory phrase such as "I was wondering" followed by the question itself as a statement. Use a question word to connect the two phrases. In the case of a 'yes / no' question, use 'if' to connect the two phrases.

Introductory phrase + question word (or if) + positive sentence

Example:

I wonder if you can explain your special-diet.

Can you tell me how much sugar is in that cereal?

Here are some of the most common indirect questions introductory phrases:

Example:

I wonder where I can get a hot meal.

Do you know how to engineer the menu or do the food costing?

Can you tell me how much sugar is in that cereal?