An indirect question is not a question at all. In a direct question, the auxiliary verb comes before the subject. However, in an indirect question, the auxiliary verb comes after the subject. What’s more, an indirect question ends with a full stop, not a question mark.
Read the following sentences.
Direct question: Where are you going?
Indirect question: I want to know where you are going. (NOT I want to know where are you going?)
Direct question: When do you intend to leave?
Indirect question: I want to know when you intend to leave. (NOT I want to know when do you intend to leave?)
Change the following direct questions into indirect questions using the introductory clauses given.
1. (I would like to know) ‘What are your plans?’
2. (She wondered) ‘Why did you refuse to sign the papers?’
3. (Tell me) ‘What do you mean by that?’
4. (Can you tell me whether) ‘Is he dependable?’
5. (He wants to know) ‘Why doesn’t she like him?’
6. (She asked) ‘What did you do then?’
7. (He asked) ‘Why are you crying?’
Answers
1. I would like to know what your plans are.
2. She wondered why I refused to sign the papers.
3. Tell me what you mean by that.
4. Can you tell me whether he is dependable?
5. He wants to know why she doesn’t like him.
6. She asked me what I did then.
7. He asked me why I was crying.
