Indirect questions are more polite than direct questions, especially when speaking to strangers. To form an indirect question, use an introductory phrase followed by the question in a positive or negative structure connected by a question word like "who", "where", or "if/whether". Common introductory phrases include "Do you know...", "Can/Could you tell me...", and "May I ask you...". Indirect questions serve the same purpose as direct questions but are considered more formal.

1. ASKING QUESTIONS indirect ways

2. INDIRECT QUESTIONS When do I use them? Direct questions are often considered rude when speaking to strangers. To be more polite we often use INDIRECT QUESTIONS . Indirect questions serve the same purpose as direct questions, but are considered more formal.

3. INDIRECT QUESTIONS How do I do it? Use an introductory phrase followed by the question itself in positive/negative sentence structure . Connect the two phrases with the question word (who, where, when, why …) or ‘if/whether’ in the case the question is a ‘yes/no’ question. Introductory sentence + wh-/if + positive/negative sentence

4. INDIRECT QUESTIONS Examples (I) Direct question : how much do you earn? Indirect question : Could you tell me how much you earn? Introductory sentence + wh-/if + positive/negative sentence Could you tell me how much you earn?

5. INDIRECT QUESTIONS Examples (II) Direct question : What is your worst habit? Indirect question : May I ask you what your worst habit is? Introductory sentence + wh-/if + positive/negative sentence May I ask you what your worst habit is?

6. INDIRECT QUESTIONS Examples (III) Direct question : does he like partying? Indirect question : may I ask you if he likes partying? Introductory sentence + wh-/if + positive/negative sentence May I ask you if/whether he likes partying?

7. INDIRECT QUESTIONS Most common phrases Do you know … ? Can/Could you tell me … ? Can I ask . . .? May I ask you . . .? Do you happen to know ...? I wonder / was wondering if you could tell me… I wonder if you would mind telling me. . . Would you mind telling me . . .? I’d be interested to know … I'd like to know ...