Indirect questions

Level and focus

Level: B1
Category: Questions

Use indirect question word order after phrases such as Could you tell me and I wonder.

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: Transform direct questions into polite or embedded questions.

Core idea

This lesson focuses on one clear grammar job. Learners should first recognise the pattern in short examples, then use it in controlled sentences, and only later combine it with other grammar.

Form

• introductory phrase + question word + subject + verb
• Do you know where he lives?
• yes/no indirect questions use if/whether
• Could you tell me if the office is open?

Meaning and use

Use this grammar when the sentence needs the meaning described in the lesson goal. At this level, accuracy is more important than stylistic variety. Keep examples short, concrete and close to everyday communication before moving to longer texts.

Examples

• Can you tell me where the station is?
• Do you know what time it starts?
• I wonder if she is coming.
• Could you explain how this works?

Common mistakes

• Keeping direct question word order: not Do you know where is the station?; use Do you know where the station is?.
• Using do/does twice: not Can you tell me where does he live?; use Can you tell me where he lives?.
• Forgetting if/whether for yes/no questions: not I don't know is it open.; use I don't know if it is open..

Teaching sequence

1. Show the pattern with two or three very short examples.
2. Contrast the correct form with one common error.
3. Let learners complete controlled examples.
4. Ask learners to produce their own short sentence.
5. Finish with a mixed review item so they distinguish this point from neighbouring grammar.

Boundary: what not to cover here

This is essential for polite communication and B1/B2 writing accuracy.

Suggested practice

Start with recognition, then controlled completion, then sentence rewriting or ordering where appropriate. Keep distractors close enough to test the grammar point, but avoid trick options that require vocabulary beyond the level.

Quick check

Before you move on, can you explain the rule in one sentence and make one example of your own?