Indirect questions (2)

Have a look at this conversation. 

A: Excuse me. Could you tell me where the nearest station is? 

B: Cure. It’s along that road on the right. 

A: Thank you. And you know if there is a supermarket near here? 

B: Yes, there is one next to the station. ‘

A: Thank you very much for your help. 

Question pattern 2 (YES/NO Question) - when the direct question is answerable by yes or no, we use “if” or “whether” .  

Introductory Indirect Phrase + if/whether + subject + main verb? 

DIRECT QUESTIONS

Present simple with ‘be’: Is he American? 

Present Simple: Does the airplane fly? 

Present Progressive: Is the student studying? 

Past Simple: Did the movie start today?

Present Perfect: Have they visited Israel? 

Present Perfect Progressive: Has she been living here long? 

Future: Will they arrive early? 

Modal Verbs: Should we start now? 

INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Present simple with ‘be’: Can you tell me if he is American? 

Present Simple: Can you tell me whether the airplane flies? 

Present Progressive: Can you tell me if the student is studying?

Past Simple: Could you tell me whether the movie started today? 

Present Perfect: Do you know whether they have visited Israel? 

Present Perfect Progressive: Could you tell me if she has been living here long? 

Future: Could you tell me if they will arrive early?

Modal Verbs: Can you tell me whether we should start now?

Indirect Questions - a polite way of asking questions, especially when talking with strangers. They are also sometimes a useful way for seeking out information that someone might be a bit uncomfortable — if you deliver it in the right way. 

Common introductory indirect phrases:

Would you mind telling me…? 

Do you know…? 

I was wondering…

Do you think….? 

Could/Can you tell me…? 

Would it be possible…?

I was hoping…