We generally ask direct questions such as 'What time is it, please?' to friends, family and people we know well. On the other hand, we might ask indirect questions such as 'Could you tell me the time, please?' to strangers, people we don't know very well or in more formal situations.
Indirect language is more formal, more polite and less confrontational.
Examples of direct questions:
- What time is it?
- Why are you late?
- What is that?
- When does the lesson finish?
- What phone does she have?
- How did you make those biscuits?
Examples of indirect questions:
- Do you know what time it is?
- Could you tell me why you are late?
- Would you mind telling me what that is?
- Could you tell me when the class finishes?
- Can you tell me what kind of phone she has?
- Would you mind sharing that biscuit recipe, they are delicious!
Watch the video below to see how to use indirect forms in work situations.
Now test yourself with the quiz
Are these questions direct or indirect?
- Is John French?
Direct. To make it indirect say: Do you know whether John is French or not?
- Do you have any idea if this is the right bus for Princes Street?
Indirect.
- Was Lindsay on time?
Direct. To make it indirect say: Can you tell me if Lindsay made it on time?
- Could you tell me when classes start?
Indirect.
- Would you mind telling me where you come from?
Indirect.
