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Learn to Speak English Online:
English Grammar Guidebook

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Indirect Questions

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In the dialogue for this chapter, you see:

–Do you know where I can cut off the water? (correct)

This construction can be troublesome for learners of English, because there is a tendency to make the dependent clause (where I can cut off...) a question as well:

–Do you know where can I cut off the water? (incorrect)

Both do you know and where can I cut off the water are legitimate questions when used separately. However, when combined in a single sentence the main clause (Do you know...) carries the full weight of the interrogative.

Here are some additional examples:

–Do you see it? Where is it?
–>Do you see where it is?
–Do you know when? When does he arrive?
–>Do you know when he arrives?



Examples of Indirect Questions

  • Do you know where he went?
  • Can you see who is outside?