INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Here are some of the most common phrases used for asking indirect questions. Many of these phrases are questions (i.e., Do you know when the next train leaves?), while others are statements made to indicate a question (i.e., I wonder if he will be on time.).

Do you know … ?
I wonder / was wondering ….
Can you tell me … ?
Do you happen to know ...?
I have no idea ...
I'm not sure ...
I'd like to know ...
Have you any idea ...

Sometimes we also use these phrases to indicate that we'd like some more information.

I’m not sure…
I don’t know…

Examples:

Do you know when the concert begins?
I wonder when he will arrive.
Can you tell me how to check out a book.
I’m not sure what he considers appropriate.
I don’t know if he is coming to the party this evening.