Direct questions are appropriate in conversation, but in formal written and spoken English – emails, letters, reports, and official communication – they can sound abrupt or even rude. Indirect questions allow you to ask for information, request advice, or make formal enquiries in a register that is both polite and professional. This is an essential skill for STANAG writing and speaking tasks.
Section B
Learn the Function
An indirect question embeds a question inside a statement or a polite introductory phrase. The word order changes from question form to statement form, and question marks are often dropped. This shift signals formality, politeness, and professional register.
Introductory Phrase
Direct Question
Indirect Question
I would like to know
What time does the briefing start?
I would like to know what time the briefing starts.
Could you tell me
Where is the operations room?
Could you tell me where the operations room is?
I was wondering
Is the position still available?
I was wondering whether the position is still available.
Please advise
How should we proceed?
Please advise how we should proceed.
I would be grateful if you could explain
Why was the exercise cancelled?
I would be grateful if you could explain why the exercise was cancelled.
Direct – informal / abrupt in writing
When will the results be published?
Acceptable in speech. In a formal email or letter, this reads as demanding.
Indirect – formal and polite
I would be grateful if you could advise when the results will be published.
Same information, entirely different register. Appropriate for formal written communication.
Three structural rules you must follow:
(1) Word order becomes statement order after the introductory phrase: what time it is, not what time is it.
(2) Do not use auxiliary inversion: write where the office is, not where is the office.
(3) For yes/no questions, use whether or if: I would like to know whether the report has been submitted.
Study the structure table, the contrast grid, and the three rules carefully before continuing.
Section C
Read in Context
Read the following extract from a formal email sent by an officer requesting information about an overseas posting. Every highlighted structure is an indirect question. Notice how each one maintains a polite, professional register.
Extract – Formal Email: Request for Information Regarding Overseas Posting
Dear Colonel Marchetti,
I am writing to request further information regarding the logistics officer position recently advertised for the Multinational Division. I would be grateful if you could advise whether applications from personnel currently serving in a staff role are eligible.
I would also like to know what the expected duration of the posting is and whether accommodation is provided for accompanied personnel. Could you please clarify how the language assessment component of the selection process works, as I have not been able to find this information in the published guidance.
Finally, I was wondering whether it would be appropriate to contact the receiving unit directly to gain a clearer understanding of the role, or whether all enquiries should be directed through your office.
I would be grateful for any guidance you are able to provide.
Yours sincerely, Major J. Kowalski
What to notice: Every highlighted clause uses statement word order, not question word order. There are no auxiliary inversions after the introductory phrases. Yes/no questions are introduced with whether. The overall effect is formal, respectful, and professionally appropriate.
Section D
Notice the Grammar
Answer all three questions correctly to unlock the practice section.
Activity 1 – Identify the Structure
Multiple Choice
Select the best answer for each question about indirect question structure and function.
1. Which sentence correctly converts “Where is the training facility?” into an indirect question?
2. Which sentence correctly converts the yes/no question “Has the report been approved?” into a formal indirect question?
3. Why does Major Kowalski write “I was wondering whether it would be appropriate to contact the receiving unit directly” rather than “Is it appropriate to contact the receiving unit directly?”
Answer all three questions correctly to unlock the next section.
Section E
Controlled Practice
Complete all four activities. The gap fill and the matching exercise are gated – both must be completed correctly to unlock the listening section.
Activity 2 – Gap Fill
Complete the Indirect Question
Select the correct word or phrase to complete each indirect question. Pay attention to word order and whether/if usage.
1.I would be grateful if you could advisethe deadline for applications has been extended.
2.Could you please explain howin practice?
3.I was wonderingfollowing submission of the application.
4.I would also like to knowfor officers on the full-year attachment programme.
Activity 3 – Error Recognition
Find the Indirect Question Error
Each sentence contains one structural error in the indirect question. Identify it.
1. “I would like to know when does the next selection board meet.”
2. “Could you please clarify that the application requires a language certificate?”
Activity 4 – Sentence Transformation
Convert to Indirect Questions
Rewrite each direct question as a formal indirect question using the introductory phrase provided. Remember: statement word order, no auxiliary inversion, whether for yes/no questions.
Direct: “What is the closing date for applications?”
Begin with: “I would like to know…”
Hint: statement order – “what the closing date is”, not “what is the closing date”.
Direct: “Is prior operational experience required for this post?”
Begin with: “Could you please advise…”
Hint: yes/no question – use “whether”, not “if” in formal writing.
Direct: “How long does the selection process take?”
Begin with: “I was wondering…”
Hint: “how long the selection process takes” – present simple, statement order.
Activity 5 – Function Matching
Match the Indirect Question to Its Function
Match each indirect question sentence (1-4) to its communicative function.
1.“I would be grateful if you could advise whether the position requires prior staff experience.”
2.“I was wondering whether you would be able to review my draft application before submission.”
3.“Could you please clarify how the language assessment score is calculated and weighted?”
4.“I would like to know whether it would be appropriate to request a pre-interview visit to the unit.”
A = Checking whether an action is appropriate | B = Requesting clarification of a process | C = Requesting eligibility information | D = Making a polite formal request for assistance
Complete the gap fill and the matching activity correctly to unlock the listening section.
Section F
Listening Task
Read the transcript of a formal telephone conversation between an officer and an administrative coordinator. Answer both questions correctly to unlock the writing task.
Officer (Major Lindqvist)Good morning. My name is Major Lindqvist. I am calling to enquire about the international exchange programme your division administers. I was wondering whether applications are still being accepted for the current cycle, or whether the deadline has already passed.
CoordinatorGood morning, Major. Yes, applications are still open until the end of the month. How can I help you further?
OfficerThank you. Could you also advise what documents are required as part of the application pack? I have reviewed the guidance on the website, but I would like to know whether a commanding officer endorsement is mandatory or simply recommended.
CoordinatorThe endorsement is mandatory for all serving personnel. I would also suggest you check whether your medical clearance is current, as this is often overlooked.
OfficerUnderstood. Finally, could you clarify how long the selection process typically takes from submission to notification?
Listening Comprehension – Answer Both Questions
Comprehension and Grammar Noticing
Select the best answer based on the transcript above.
1. Why does Major Lindqvist say “I was wondering whether applications are still being accepted” rather than “Are applications still being accepted?”
2. The coordinator says “I would also suggest you check whether your medical clearance is current.” What does the use of “whether” instead of “that” tell us about the structure?
Answer both questions correctly to unlock the writing task.
Section G
Final Writing Task
You have studied indirect questions across four communicative functions, practised the structural rules, transformed direct questions, and identified indirect question functions in a formal telephone exchange. Now use them accurately in your own formal writing.
Your Task
Write a formal email (80-110 words) to a training coordinator requesting information about a professional development course. You do not know the coordinator personally.
Use at least three indirect questions to request information
Use whether at least once – for a yes/no embedded question
Use at least two different introductory phrases (e.g. I would like to know / Could you please advise / I was wondering / I would be grateful if you could clarify)
Do not use direct question word order after an introductory phrase
Write in a formal, polite register appropriate for professional correspondence
0 / 110 words
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Lesson 7 Complete
You have completed the Indirect Questions in Context lesson. Review your feedback before moving on to Lesson 8.