Understanding The Concept Of Indirect Questions
Topics: Indirect, questions, preposition, place, English, online
There are several ways of asking a question in English and this sometimes poses a problem for those learning English as a second language. You can ask a direct question, such as that do you want? which is easy enough to understand. Indirect questions, on the other hand, use other words to ask the question and may even seem like two questions in one. The reason that some people have difficulty with this concept is that the word order in the sentence is the same as if you were making an affirmative statement. Some examples of such questions are:
- Can you tell me how to do this?
- I wonder what she is doing.
The direct questions for both of these would be:
- How do I do this?
- What is she doing?
There are rules for making questions indirect according to the verb you use. If you are using the verbs do, did or does, you leave out these words in the indirect question. In this way the direct question then do you arrive becomes an you tell when you arrive? If you use a form of the verb to do in asking the question you would not be using correct English grammar in some cases. If you ask a question about when the flight is supposed to arrive for example, you would not say a ould you tell me when the flight does arrive? Instead you would say a an you tell me when the flight arrives?
In questions that require a yes or no answer, you use the words for ther in asking the question indirectly. For example if you want to ask someone if they have seen your dog, you would ask a ould you tell me if you have seen a small black dog?
When you take an online course to help you learn English this concept is fully covered in the course. However, it is not something that you have to be concerned about early in the course as it is part of the more advanced upper intermediate course. By this time you will have a good command of the English language making it easier for you to grasp the instructional part of the lesson.
Basically, this way of asking a question is very formal and polite. It begins with a polite expression and the subject and verb are not inverted as they are in a direct question. You will learn that some of these questions are not questions as such and are more like statements.
When you feel that you do understand the instruction, you can move on to the grammar exercises and finally the quiz on this lesson. If you make mistakes, you can review the instruction and redo the exercises and quiz until you are sure you have a complete grasp of this manner of asking questions in English. You can then listen to many different passages to find examples of how the speaker uses this form of questioning and look for them in the material that you read in English.
For more information on indirect questions,preposition of place and other aspects of English grammar visit www.1-Language.com, the best place to learn English online.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Shop Online For Prom Dresses 2009 Choices (1)
You can find the perfect color by simply holding swatches of fabric close to your face to find the color that suits you best. Even if this is not one of the colors popular in 2009 prom dresses when the color suits you, you will look like a princess on your special night.
When Is The Right Time To Hire A Real Estate Coach? (2)
You are probably, at this point, wondering how real estate coaching proceeds. Real estate coaching usually moves forward through a series of structured conversations revolving around your approach to your real estate investment business.
The Benefits Of Working With A Real Estate Mentor Before Investing (3)
However, a real estate mentor can help you avoid the kind of mistakes that will needlessly cost you both time and money on your way to success. It is far less painful to learn from other people's mistakes, where possible, than to learn by making your own mistakes.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Vintage Prom Dress (4)
During the 1960 shorter dresses were the style, but there are some floor length ball gowns from that era that was made with stretchy fabric that will enhance your perfect figure.
How To Decide On An MBA Dissertation Topic (5)
What you should try to resist is higher management dictating which area, department or topic, should be chosen; whilst you should look at including some of their thoughts and thinking, behind your research, you should complete the research paper on a subject that interests you and will challenge your train of thought.
Can Credit Limit Reduction Help Your Credit Score? (6)
This means you need to pay off $2750 immediately before you can request the reduction. If you can't repay the $2750, getting your credit limit reduced can actually hurt you.
The Benefits Of Hiring A Real Estate Consultant (7)
Real estate consultants can specialize in many different aspects of the real estate business, or they can provide comprehensive consulting services. One approach to real estate consulting is through management consulting.
What Does A Real Estate Consultant Do? (8)
The consultant is selling information and expertise, and therefore can provide you with a layer of insulation between you and the people selling the properties. They can work out a lot of the details and business prospects of a property before you have to talk to a salesperson.
Why Are Old Games So Much Better Than New Ones? (9)
Championship Manager 96/97 Well what can you say about this game, besides from the fact that it is one of the best managerial games that I have ever played. Strip out all the graphics from a game and switch it to a text based version and you on to a sure fire winner.
A Survey Job Online For Extra Cash (10)
If you do not take your day job seriously and get lax you will not get raises or possibly will not keep your job. Well online surveys are the same way.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Choosing The Right Guard Dog For Protection (1)
The train needed for guard dogs is often full of activity and requires a lot of time. The dog must learn first to be obedient and then they must be taught to stop a thief, but not to harm.
Finding The Perfect Military Ball Dresses (2)
Your date or partner for this event should wear a tie or cumberbund in the same color as your dress so that you complement each other. if your date is in the military, then he will be wearing his uniform so you have to make sure that the color of your gown doesn't clash with this color.
Ice Skates - From Fashion Faux Pas To Masculine Masquerade (3)
In a collection of pictures that depict the history of ice skating, it can be seen that bones gives way to metal blade, and wooden platforms become shoes then boots.
The Advantages Of Owning Hybrid Cars (4)
Hybrid cars are just like the ordinary cars. Instead of only one motor in propelling the car, it has two motors. One is the gasoline motor that you would normally find in all the conventional cars, and the other one is an electric motor.
Prepositions Of Place Are An Easy Concept In English (5)
It on the other hand refers to a particular point or place, such as it a meeting? These two prepositions often cause the most problems for students of English as a second language because they are so similar in meaning, yet they are used differently in sentences.
Six Things You Should Know About Buying Jewelry For Mom (6)
Start searching in advance; waiting until the last minute to find a present is often asking for trouble. Taking the time to find out what your Mom wants and needs will help ensure that she receives the best present.
Look And Feel Great In Short Prom Dresses (7)
With this figure you can choose a dress that is tight fitting because it will really show off your curves. One that is fitted at the waist will accentuate your tiny waist and enhance your bustline.
Keeping A Brazilian Rainbow Boa (8)
You can also feed your snake small rats. You should never feed live food to the snake because of the possibility of danger to your pet. If you find that you pet seems to be off its food and is not eating as it regularly did, try taking it outdoors.
What's Up With The "We Buy Houses" Signs? (9)
In fact, one would easily notice the large amounts of street signs that state We Buy Houses in Phoenix throughout major roads. These companies have become very popular these days due to the tough real estate market.
Learn About The Emerald Tree Boa (10)
These snakes thrive in a cage where the temperature is hot and humid during the day and cooler, with lower humidity at night. When you spray the snake, do so early in the morning.
Permalink to Understanding The Concept Of Indirect Questions