How is the present tense used in indirect questions?

In English grammar, the present tense is commonly used in indirect questions to report or ask about something that is happening or is true at the present moment. Indirect questions are used when we want to be more polite or formal in our speech or writing.

To form an indirect question using the present tense, we typically use an introductory phrase or verb followed by the subject and the base form of the verb. Here are a few examples:

1. Direct question: "What time does the train leave?"
Indirect question: "Could you tell me what time the train leaves?"

2. Direct question: "Where does she live?"
Indirect question: "I wonder where she lives."

3. Direct question: "Do you know how to swim?"
Indirect question: "Can you tell me if you know how to swim?"

In these examples, the present tense is used to report the original question or to ask about a current situation. The verb forms "leaves," "lives," and "know" remain in the present tense in the indirect questions.

It is important to note that when forming indirect questions, we often use reporting verbs such as "ask," "wonder," "tell," "want to know," or "can you tell me." These verbs are followed by the indirect question itself.

Additionally, when reporting a yes/no question, we can use "if" or "whether" to introduce the indirect question. For example:

Direct question: "Is she coming to the party?"
Indirect question: "I'm not sure if she is coming to the party."

In this case, the present tense is used to report the uncertainty about whether she is coming to the party.

Overall, the present tense is commonly used in indirect questions to report or ask about present situations, and it helps to maintain the accuracy and clarity of the original question while being more polite or formal.