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    Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #122722: Direct or indirect interrogative clauses
    > Other English exercises on the same topics: Direct/Indirect speech | Questions [Change theme]
    > Similar tests: - Questions : how to ask them - Vocabulary: asking and answering - Ask the question - Interrogative clauses - Who-What-Which - Direct and Indirect Interrogative forms ... - Difficulties in Reported Speech - Subject/verb inversions
    > Double-click on words you don't understand


    Direct or indirect interrogative clauses


     When using the interrogative form, one of the main difficulties is to choose between "direct interrogatives" ("real questions" ) and  indirect speech (or reported speech ) which will NOT use the interrogative construction [verb - subject ?]. The two patterns of the sentences are opposed... That's why it is fundamental to know how to recognise them in order to be able to use them properly. 

     

     

      



    I) DIRECT INTERROGATIVE FORM

     1) In order to build the interrogative form  of a clause using:

    an auxiliary verb  (be, have)

    modal auxiliary (can/ could, may/ might, must, should, shall, will, would)

    The verb must be placed before the subject. It's a simple 'verb-subject inversion' :  BE/ HAVE + subject + complements ?

    Were you at the party yesterday or will you go tomorrow?

    Should he take his own laptop or will one be provided for the exam?

    - Has he got a sportscar or a van? 

     

     2) For the other verbs in the present or in the preterite, the auxiliary do/did must be used:

     DO/ DOES/ DID+ subject+ verb?

    -  Did she find the solution alone?

    -  Does your brother eat meat and fish?

    -  Where do you live with your parents?

      When 'HAVE' is used as  a normal verb, it will need ‘DO/ DOES/ DID' as an auxiliary.

      - Did he have his ID when he was arrested ? Of course he did!

     

       

     

    B) INDIRECT INTERROGATIVE FORM: 

    Used after a verb like 'to ask', 'to wonder' (to ask oneself), to want to know, when you ask yourself a question or when you report someone else's (indirect speech: say, tell, report, ask ), you MUST use the indirect interrogative form.

    The clause following the introductory verb starts with an interrogative word (who, when, where, what, how, whether, ...)

    THE INVERSION of VERB and SUBJECT MUSTN'T BE DONE; there mustn't be a question mark at the end of the sentence. 

    I wonder + interrogative term + subject + verb.  => I wonder how old he is.

    - He wants to know where the kids have gone...

    She doesn't know where she must get off the bus. Don't forget to tell her!

    You MUST be very careful ... This is a very frequent mistake...  


    I'm sure you won't make that mistake, now... I give you THE FORCE. 


     

     




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    English exercise "Direct or indirect interrogative clauses" created by here4u with The test builder. [More lessons & exercises from here4u]
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    A. 'How many guests for Christmas dinner? Do you know from?'

    B. 'It’s Jenny’ s birthday today, but I can’t remember or where You know it, don’t you?'

    C. 'Where New Year’s day, last year? I don’t know where , but I can remember how much '

    D. 'Let’s use the password we have created together. I remember the first two figures, but can you tell me what '

    E. 'Of course I’ll pick your friend from his home... I just want to know where and I’ll go.'

    F. 'Thanks a lot. I’m glad you’re here to translate our questions. Ask the lady when and where just now.'










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