Direct and indirect questions

An indirect question is not a question at all. In a direct question, the auxiliary verb comes before the subject. However, there is no inversion of the subject and the verb in the case of an indirect question. Also note that most indirect questions do not end in a question mark.

Change the following direct questions into indirect questions using the introductory clauses given in the brackets.

1. (She asked) ‘Where are you going?’

2. (I want to know) ‘When does he propose to start?’

3. (I should like to know) ‘What are your plans?’

4. (I can’t figure out) ‘What does she want?’

5. (I don’t know) ‘Why does she hate me?’

6. (She wondered) ‘Why did you refuse to see Alice?’

7. (Tell me) ‘What do you mean by that?’

8. (Can you tell me whether) ‘Is that true?’

9. (He wants to know) ‘Why do the French eat frogs?’

10. (I don’t understand) ‘What is her problem?’

Answers

1. She asked where I was going.

2. I want to know when he proposes to start.

3. I should like to know what your plans are.

4. I can’t figure out what she wants.

5. I don’t know why she hates me.

6. She wondered why I refused to see Alice.

7. Tell me what you mean by that.

8. Can you tell me whether that is true?

9. He wants to know why the French eat frogs.

10. I don’t understand what her problem is.