Form
Introductory Phrase + wh- word + Subject + Verb
(Use statement word order, not question word order)
Direct: Where is the station?
Indirect: Could you tell me where the station is?
Direct: What time does the shop open?
Indirect: Do you know what time the shop opens?
Meanings
To be more polite and less direct.
Indirect questions are very common in English, especially when speaking to strangers, in formal situations, or when asking for a favour.
- Direct: Where is the bathroom? (Okay with friends)
- Indirect: Excuse me, could you tell me where the bathroom is? (More polite with a stranger)
Common Introductory Phrases:
Could you tell me…?, Do you know…?, I was wondering…, I’d like to know…