Tenses Questions Medium
The simple present tense in indirect questions is formed by using the base form of the verb. It is used to talk about general truths, habits, routines, and permanent situations.
In indirect questions, the word order changes from a direct question. Instead of starting with the question word or auxiliary verb, the indirect question begins with a reporting verb such as ask, wonder, or want to know, followed by the subject and the verb in the simple present tense.
For example:
Direct question: "What time does the train leave?"
Indirect question: She asked what time the train leaves.
In the indirect question, the reporting verb "asked" is followed by the subject "she" and the verb "leaves" in the simple present tense.
Here are some more examples of indirect questions in the simple present tense:
Direct question: "Where does he live?"
Indirect question: They want to know where he lives.
Direct question: "Do you like ice cream?"
Indirect question: She wonders if you like ice cream.
Direct question: "How often do they go to the gym?"
Indirect question: He asked how often they go to the gym.
In all these examples, the simple present tense is used to express general truths or habits. The formation of the tense remains the same, with the base form of the verb used after the reporting verb in the indirect question.