True or False
We use indirect questions to sound more polite, or less blunt.
TRUE
How many Channels are there?
NOT IF
Can you tell me, how many channels there are?
What's it about?
Could you tell me what it is about?
Could you explain why the TV isn't working?
Why isn't the TV working?
Do you know if there’s a documentary on tonight?
CORRECT
When it's a yes/no question, we remove the auxiliary verb and don't add anything.
False
We add "IF"
Is there a game on tonight?
IF
I wonder if there is a game on tonight.
What should we watch?
Could you tell me what we should watch?
Do you know what this soap opera is about?
What is this soap opera about?
Do you know what Peter’s favorite TV program is?
CORRECT
When it's an open answer question, we remove the auxiliary verb and add "if".
FALSE
We don't add "if".
Where is the remote control?
NOT IF
Can you tell me where the remote control is?
What are they going to play?
Could you tell me what they are going to play?
Do you know if Mike is going to win the reality show challenge?
Is Mike going to win the reality show challenge?
I wonder reality shows are popular.
INCORRECT
I wonder if reality shows are popular.
In an indirect question, the verb comes after the subject.
TRUE
Who cleaned the classroom yesterday?
NOT IF?
I wonder who cleaned the classroom yesterday.
Subject question=no subject aber wh-question word
Where did he go?
Could you tell me where he went?
Could you tell me who wrote that soap opera script?
Who wrote that soap opera script?
Do you know this show is almost over?
INCORRECT
Do you know if this show is almost over?
Even though we remove the auxiliary verb and the verb is placed after the subject, we still keep the question mark in indirect questions.
IT DEPENDS
Was your brother here a few minutes ago?
IF
Could you tell IF your brother was here a few minutes ago?
What did he buy?
Could you tell me what he bought?
What do you think they are going to watch tonight?
What are they going to watch tonight?
Can you tell me what is the time?
INCORRECT
Can you tell me what the time is?