Grammar Syntax Questions Medium
In grammar syntax, indirect questions are used to report or ask for information in a more polite or indirect manner. To use indirect questions correctly, follow these guidelines:
1. Reporting statements: When reporting a statement, use a reporting verb (e.g., ask, wonder, inquire) followed by the word "if" or "whether" to introduce the indirect question. For example:
- Direct question: "Where is the library?"
- Indirect question: She asked me where the library was.
2. Reporting yes/no questions: When reporting a yes/no question, use a reporting verb followed by the word "if" or "whether" to introduce the indirect question. For example:
- Direct question: "Did you finish your homework?"
- Indirect question: He asked if I had finished my homework.
3. Reporting wh-questions: When reporting a wh-question, use a reporting verb followed by the wh-word (e.g., what, where, when, why, how) and the word "if" or "whether" to introduce the indirect question. For example:
- Direct question: "What time does the movie start?"
- Indirect question: She asked me what time the movie started.
4. Polite requests: Indirect questions can also be used to make polite requests. Use a reporting verb followed by the word "if" or "whether" and a polite phrase (e.g., "could you", "would you mind", "do you think you could") to introduce the indirect question. For example:
- Direct question: "Can you help me with this?"
- Indirect question: He asked if I could help him with that.
Remember to use appropriate verb tense changes when converting direct questions to indirect questions. Additionally, it is important to use the appropriate word order and punctuation when forming indirect questions in grammar syntax.