Indirect question
Definition
An indirect question embeds a question inside another clause, often after expressions such as Could you tell me..., Do you know..., I wonder... or I'm not sure.... The embedded clause normally uses statement word order.
Examples
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Could you tell me where the station is?
The embedded clause uses subject–verb order, not where is the station.
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I wonder why Maya left.
The indirect question is embedded after wonder.
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Do you know whether the shop is open?
Whether introduces an embedded yes/no question.
Direct vs. indirect question
Where is the station?
The auxiliary or verb is comes before the subject.
Could you tell me where the station is?
Inside the embedded clause, the subject comes before is.
The introductory clause carries the main question structure. The embedded question normally follows statement word order.
Yes/no questions use if or whether
When there is no wh- word, use if or whether to introduce the embedded question. Whether is generally more formal and is required in some structures.
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I do not know if Leo is coming.
If introduces an embedded yes/no question.
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We discussed whether to postpone the meeting.
Whether can be followed by a to-infinitive; if cannot replace it here.
Common mistakes
Could you tell me where is the station?
Could you tell me where the station is?
Use statement word order inside the indirect question.
I wonder why did she leave.
I wonder why she left.
Do not use did inside an embedded why clause.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which indirect question has correct word order?
The embedded clause uses statement order: where Maya works.Which sentence correctly embeds a yes/no question?
Whether introduces the embedded question, followed by statement order.Which structure requires whether rather than if?
Before a to-infinitive, use whether, not if.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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