Questions 2

A. When we ask for information, we often say:  

Would you mind telling me…? 

Do you know…? 

I was wondering…

Do you think….? 

I was hoping… 

Would it be possible…? 

Could/Can you tell me…? 

If you begin a question like this, the word order is different from a simple question.

Compare:

Where did he go? (simple question)

Do you know where he went? (not 'Do you know where did he go?')

When the question (Where did he go? is part of a longer sentence (Do you know ...?/I don't know.../Can you tell me ...? etc.), it loses the normal question word order.

Compare:

What time is it? but Do you know what time it is?

Who is that woman? but I don't know who that woman is.

Where can I find Linda? but  Can you tell me where I can find Linda?

How much will it cost? but  Have you any idea how much it will cost?

Be careful with do/does/did questions:

What time does the film begin? but Do you know what time the film begins? (not 'Do you know what time does...')

What do you mean?

Please explain what you mean.

Why did Ann leave early?

I wonder why Ann left early.

YES/NO QUESTION

Use if or whether where there is no other question word (what, why etc.)   

Did anybody see you?

Do you know if (or whether) anybody saw you?

Does she like it? 

I was wondering if (or whether) she likes it. 

Has she gone out? 

Can you tell me if (or whether) she has gone out?