- 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:

Do you know which faith-based organization applied for the grant?

I wonder about our adaptive capacity.

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

Example:

I wonder about our adaptive capacity.

I'm not sure how to interpret this feedback.

Do you know which faith-based organization applied for the grant?