How and Why to use INDIRECT QUESTIONS in English

This easy-to-understand video for English learners explains how and why we use indirect questions in English.
For example:
Where is the bank? - Do you know where the bank is?
How old are you? - May I ask how old you are?
Where did she study? - I'd like to know where she studied.
I'm Teacher Mike, and I'm an English (ESL/EFL) teacher from the United States.
I'm currently posting 3 videos each week (Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday), so if you're interested in improving your English, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so that you see all of my new videos.
Also, my ebook "How to Practice Speaking English by Yourself and Why Everyone Should Do It" is finally available on Amazon. If you're interested, here is the link a.co/d/06M5faZ
And don't forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Threads (and check out my website)!
www.teacher-mi...
/ teachermikeenglish
/ teacher_mike_english

[@MarioRodrigue-x9g]

You made me realise that formulating inderect questions is a good way to be polite and kind. Thanks for that!

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

You're welcome! Glad I could help!

[@Lruiz3865]

Many people don't know how much intonation and respect is important, using kind words could help us more than we thought

[@evelynquinonez1667]

I love the way you started this nice video, Mike. I agree with you. We need to be polite and respectful when we ask for information.

[@LuuLy-cu1or]

This lesson is absolutely interesting and necessary. Thank you for teaching, Mike.

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@IrenaPawlowska-yw5ur]

I admire Your constant efforts to improve and update already perfect videos! Thanks a lot for Your patience and for inspiring us to hard work! Today’s topic is really useful and necessary in our contacts with other, little-known people, when we want to get information from them in polite way. So, this video is really worth recalling!

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thank you so much!🙏

[@ksenom256]

That's a very useful trick, to make the latter part of the indirect question "look like an answer"! 👍 I always thought you just change the word order. Thank you for this great lesson, Teacher Mike! ⭐

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thanks. You basically do just change the word order, but it's not always that simple, and it's easier to think about it this way (in my opinion).😃✅

[@taranehsoltani1480]

Thank you so much Teacher Mike.I've learned alot by watching your useful videos and listening to you.

[@vankhoanguyen3994]

Yes, Mike, 'Could you please tell me where the bus station is?' is indeed softer and more polite than 'Where is the bus station'. Thank you a lot, Mike. ❤

[@valdirceandersson5209]

Very interesting old video,and helpful lesson,Thank you for your time,Teacher Mike

[@Studyabroad-o8v]

Really appreciate you ❤ Everyone put a big heart for tetcher Mike @

[@_Joschda]

Teacher

[@guermahfatiha8050]

Many people make mistakes when askiing idirect questions But after your excellent explanation it is very clear Thanks teacher ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

You're welcome!

[@hamidhendz8907]

Thank you for sharing .

[@damararayonreyes6047]

I handn't understood this topic completely until I watched this video. Thank you so much!!!

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

You're welcome! 😀🤗

[@Studyabroad-o8v]

❤❤❤❤wow, tetcher Mike it's so good and professional 👏thanks allot ❤❤❤

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Glad you like it!

[@JessicaWong-vw8ts]

Thanks for the indirect questions, Teacher Mike.😊

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

You're welcome!

[@evelynquinonez1667]

Thanks a lot, our Super Teacher. A great lesson that was perfectly explained.

[@milkshake_majlesi]

your work is awesome man saved my score😂❤❤❤❤❤

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thanks!

[@eustaquiozambrano2974]

Thank you so much teacher Mike.👍 Have a nice weekend.

[@mustfit]

Thank you, Mike. Why "I was wondering …" (5:16)? "I Am wondering …" looks more reasonable for me as a student.

[@JessicaWong-vw8ts]

Watch 2 times already this morning. Thanks for reminding, Teacher Mike.😊

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

You're welcome! Do you understand it better now?

[@JessicaWong-vw8ts]

@@TeacherMikeEnglish Yes. You are a wonderful teacher. 😊

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

@JessicaWong-vw8ts 🙏

[@Buthainaneam-sn5ig5le1v]

Thank you, Teacher. For teaching this polite way to mor knowledge of speech.❤

[@salmaannich577]

Thank you for your help Teacher.

[@enriquej.9653]

It’s a great presentation. Thank you!

[@ahmadabd6953]

Thank you for your efforts mr Mike

[@salmasaeed65]

Aslam o Alykum Teacher mike M ur student also,ur videos are really helpful plz make more videos to understand models in short use of would should It would be helpful for us.. U r doing great job

[@evelynquinonez1667]

I'm watching this nice lesson again. Thanks a lot, Mike.😊😊😊

[@yeketo1784]

Hi Mike 👋 can you teach us some slang you might use with your friends?

[@Tiaandkareemgaming]

Thank you I’m in 7th grade and this really helped me keep up the good work ❤

[@อรพิมเบ็ญขุนทด]

Thanks teacher.

[@leikalar21]

I was confused w the structure but this was really helpful!! Thank you so much❤

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

You're very welcome! 🤗

[@bellaboxer4247]

Thank you, Teacher

[@romintasilalahi5619]

Thanks for your explanation Teacher

[@taksim9119]

Bro ... that 5 minutes was really enough... thank you ❤

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Do you mean that it was helpful, or do you mean that it was too long?😅

[@taksim9119]

@@TeacherMikeEnglish yes i mean your video which is just 5 minutes is enough to understand the topic ... while others make longer video which is boring

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

@@taksim9119 Thanks for the feedback!

[@jbnaarea1956]

Your class is perfect.

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thank you!

[@kareemalzoubi9300]

شكرا نحن في الاردن ناخذ هذا الدرس باللغة الانجليزية وقد فهمت على كلامك🎉

[@rhea3234]

You are such a good tutor.😊❤

[@rmaskm1]

Thanks a lot ❤👍🏻

[@i0xes12]

Thanks for this helpful video.

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

You're welcome!

[@Sapito-nd4df]

Great explanation, Mike.😊

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thank you! 😃

[@GuliHoliyorova]

bro really made me better

[@EwaGawenda-im4dn]

This is a very helpful lesson as always. Maybe you really have supernatural powers to teach English, because you do it perfectly.😊

[@evelynquinonez1667]

teaching English. to vomes when it Super Heri our. Mike is, Ewa with you ag6I aI

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thank you, Ewa!

[@alfredoreyeshernandez5651]

Thank you so much!🙏

[@kwinntpq9830]

Thank you teacher Mike! May I ask whether you made a video with tag questions? I'm so confused with the usage of tag questions.

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Hi! Yes. I have one or two. Sorry for the late reply.

[@Gise_710]

Good information teacher Mike. 👏👏👏

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thanks a lot! 😃

[@lautarobelen5863]

thank u it helped me a lot

[@guermahfatiha8050]

A perfect lesson! I wonder when the next flight.will take place? Can you tell me where the bank is? Now, Iam ready for the quiz!😊🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

It looks like you are!

[@yaridas.3047]

Thank you so much, teacher.

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thank you very much! Sorry for the late reply.

[@lolyruiz4266]

More examples: - Could you please help me with this heavy box? - Would it be possible to borrow your car for a quick errand? - Could you,please get dressed quickly? - May I ask if there are any available seats for tonight's show? - Could you let me know whether the meeting has been rescheduled? - Would it be possible to extend the deadline for this project? - How do I get to the nearest park? Do I need to turn right at any point? Turn right at the next intersection. - Where is the train station located? Should I go straight ahead from here? - When does the bus usually arrive at this stop? -Should I walk up or down the street to catch it? Walk up the street and after that walk up stairs to reach the second nearest street from here - How can I find the nearest restroom? Go straight ahead and you'll find the restroom on your left. Do you need to turn around and go back the way I came? Yes I need it and I won't confuse with turn around and walk back in the same way I came,thanks - Were you blacking out yesterday?** No, I wasn't blacking out. I have never taken too much ethylic alcohol!😊 or were you getting a black out ( an electricity power outage) No,I wasn't -May I ask if you could buy these cranberries in bulk today in this mall? or if you would prefer bulk up today in the gym?

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Very good! I wouldn't say "get dressed rapidly". In that context, I would use "quickly". Also, the noun is "black out". You could ask "Did you experience a black out/power outage?"

[@lolyruiz4266]

​​@@TeacherMikeEnglish,corrected it,thanks. I wrote another text with a question but I think is correct ! Thanks again❤

[@gerompauel]

Thanks for the great lesson! Could you consider 'Relative Clauses', please?

[@mar4ocaso764]

Excuse me. Do you know where the museum is? I'm lost.😊 Thanks,Mike. You're the best.

[@mariamyaka6363]

Thanks

[@อิงกมลมุตตามระ]

Yours video is very good details.❤❤

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thank you! Sorry I didn't see this before!

[@Asmali5121]

Good morning teacher Mike.

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Morning!👋

[@lolyruiz4266]

You are right!.Thanks a lot as always ! 🤗❤️ I noticed that you used wether and if in the same structure of phrase with May I ask ( wether/if...? .I know that are both commonly used phrases when seeking permission to ask a specific question but I am wondering myself right now if you could tell me if this hypothesis mine is correct? The expression May I ask whether is used when you want to inquire about a choice between two or more options or possibilities? Example: May I ask whether the event starts at 6 PM or 7 PM? and then May I ask if ... is used when you want to inquire about a single condition or fact. Example: May I ask if the restaurant accepts credit cards? That is my doubt,teacher Mike! Would it be possible and if you could give me a simple answer with yes or not when you can, please? Anyway, that is my hypothesis but I need corroborate it with you if you were so nice and when can be possible for you,thanks again and have an excellent day my super-powered friend and teacher who blows me away😊❤ with so eloquent and significant phrases demonstrating us your wisdom, eloquence ,kindness...in so rational way!🤗❤️

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Hey! I'm so sorry that this comment got lost! Very good question. I believe that technically "whether" is better when you mention a choice (2 things) and "if" is better when you have a condition. Do you know whether it's this week or next week? (Choice) May I ask if you are having a good time? (condition) However, I think we typically use them interchangeably.

[@majidashah9709]

Thanks a lot Mr Mike ...Could you tell me

[@evelynquinonez1667]

Do you happen to know what time the interview will start? Do you have any idea who is a good vet specialist in birds? Excuse me. Do you know where a bird shop is? My pigeon is sick. (Just an example)

[@kelevra1493]

thanks bruh

[@leonardomerentes1168]

❤

[@lolyruiz4266]

Thanks🤗❤️💪

[@Cristino109w8]

Great vedio

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thanks!

[@АнараСыдыковна-у5з]

Good

[@evelynquinonez1667]

May I ask what you do for a living? I'd like to know that because you look an educated person. Yes. No problem, I'm a history professor. Wow. That's nice. I love history. .

[@LuuLy-cu1or]

Could you please tell me what time it is? May I ask where you come from? I wonder if I could know your opinion about the new president. Do you know where I can buy some food, please? Thank you so much, Mike. I appreciate this topic.

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Very good!

[@ivycantillero5103]

❤️🙏

[@franciscojavierveracardena6578]

Preguntas indirectas .

[@rhea3234]

Indirect question: I wonder if you know what time it is.😊

[@MinMinTun-g7o]

🌹

[@jmggd962]

pq la 8 pone "... he is?" en vez de "... is he?"

[@ClubMicrobio]

uuuuh interesting

[@SAADRAMADHANMUHI]

Thank you so much_ Teacher "Mike"_ Congratulations Healthy _ SAAD RAMADHAN MUHI _IRAQ 😢

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Thank you!

[@ljauodagral1956]

Why did you that thing? How to make dough?

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Sorry. I don't understand.

[@evelynquinonez1667]

Do you have any idea where a vet was? May I ask if you are a chef?😊

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

You were wondering about it a moment ago, and that is why you are asking a questions right now. Honestly, you could use either one, but WAS feels more natural. Sorry for the late reply.

[@evelynquinonez1667]

I got it, Mike. I will fix it. You don't need to apologize yourself. Thanks a lot for your help.😀😀😀

[@evelynquinonez1667]

Do you have any idea where the police station is? May I ask if you are free tonight? I'd like to know when the class will start.😊😊

[@ElafNaser]

Free gaza🇵🇸

[@evelynquinonez1667]

Is there any chance you invite me your delicious Thai food?

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Is there any chance you would like to invite me to have some of your delicious Thai food? But it's weird to ask another person to invite you. 😅

[@evelynquinonez1667]

. can't fix the sentence. I'm weird. HahahaI

[@elvirasabater4523]

I hope write English earlier. And well🙄😁

[@Sapito-nd4df]

Do you know where the library is? I was wondering if there's a possibility that you would lend me 50 dollars.😊

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

that you would/could lend✅

[@Sapito-nd4df]

I got it. Thank you, Mike.

[@evelynquinonez1667]

I was wondering if you can help me with my homework. May I ask how tall you are. Do you happen to know where I can find a good restaurant? Would it be possible for you to lend me 50 dollars.😊😊

[@mouhmmedadil9782]

as a robbers, I'd like to say Thank you. (This is a JOKE)

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

👮🏼‍♂️

[@mouhmmedadil9782]

@@TeacherMikeEnglish aww come on man. This isn't cool man. Nice funny tho.

[@Ghellia]

“Make it looks like an answer” will only confuse the learner

[@IntelectusMundo]

"Where the Bank is?" Seems like a thief asking for informations in bad manners

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

You can't ask "Where the bank is?" It's "Do you know where the bank is?"

[@evelynquinonez1667]

Would it be possible for you to help me clean the garden? May I ask your phone number? May I ask what your ocuppation is? Could you tell me where a pharmacy is?😊

[@TeacherMikeEnglish]

Very good, Evelyn!

[@evelynquinonez1667]

Thanks a lot, Mike.😀😀😀

[@ahmadabd6953]

Thank you for your efforts mr Mike

[@lolyruiz4266]

You are right!.Thanks a lot as always ! 🤗❤️ I noticed that you used wether and if in the same structure of phrase with May I ask ( wether/if...? .I know that are both commonly used phrases when seeking permission to ask a specific question but I am wondering myself right now if you could tell me if this hypothesis mine is correct? The expression May I ask whether is used when you want to inquire about a choice between two or more options or possibilities? Example: May I ask whether the event starts at 6 PM or 7 PM? and then May I ask if ... is used when you want to inquire about a single condition or fact. Example: May I ask if the restaurant accepts credit cards? That is my doubt,teacher Mike! Would it be possible and if you could give me a simple answer with yes or not when you can, please? Anyway, that is my hypothesis but I need corroborate it with you if you were so nice and when can be possible for you,thanks again and have an excellent day my super-powered friend and teacher who blows me away😊❤ with so eloquent and significant phrases demonstrating us your wisdom, eloquence ,kindness...in so rational way!🤗❤️

[@ahmadabd6953]

Thank you for your efforts mr Mike