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Forming polite and embedded questions.
Practice: build the sentences →An indirect question contains a question within another sentence and normally uses statement word order in the embedded question.
For example, Do you know where she lives? uses where she lives rather than where does she live.
Do you know where she lives?
Ты знаешь, где она живёт?
The embedded question "where she lives" uses statement word order.
I wonder what he wants.
Интересно, что он хочет.
The embedded question "what he wants" uses statement word order.
Can you tell me when the train leaves?
Можешь сказать мне, когда отправляется поезд?
The embedded question "when the train leaves" uses statement word order.
I don't know if she is coming.
Я не знаю, придёт ли она.
The embedded question "if she is coming" uses statement word order.
She asked where I was going.
Она спросила, куда я иду.
The embedded question "where I was going" uses statement word order.
Do you know how this works?
Ты знаешь, как это работает?
The embedded question "how this works" uses statement word order.
I wonder whether they will agree.
Интересно, согласятся ли они.
The embedded question "whether they will agree" uses statement word order.
Could you tell me what time it is?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, который час?
The embedded question "what time it is" uses statement word order.
An embedded question normally follows subject-verb order rather than direct-question inversion.
For example, Do you know where he lives? not Do you know where does he live?
Do you know where he lives?
Ты знаешь, где он живёт?
Correct: "where he lives" uses subject-verb order.
I don't know where he lives.
Я не знаю, где он живёт.
Correct: "where he lives" uses subject-verb order.
Can you tell me where the station is?
Можешь сказать мне, где находится вокзал?
Correct: "where the station is" uses subject-verb order.
I wonder what she wants.
Интересно, что она хочет.
Correct: "what she wants" uses subject-verb order.
Do you know when the meeting starts?
Ты знаешь, когда начинается собрание?
Correct: "when the meeting starts" uses subject-verb order.
I don't know how this works.
Я не знаю, как это работает.
Correct: "how this works" uses subject-verb order.
She asked where I was going.
Она спросила, куда я иду.
Correct: "where I was going" uses subject-verb order.
Do you know what time it is?
Ты знаешь, который час?
Correct: "what time it is" uses subject-verb order.
A yes/no question embedded inside another clause is commonly introduced by if or whether.
For example, Is she coming? becomes Do you know if she is coming?
Is she coming? becomes Do you know if she is coming?
Она идёт? становится Ты знаешь, идёт ли она?
Direct question "Is she coming?" becomes indirect with "if".
Are they ready? becomes Do you know whether they are ready?
Они готовы? становится Ты знаешь, готовы ли они?
Direct question "Are they ready?" becomes indirect with "whether".
Did he call? becomes I don't know if he called.
Он звонил? становится Я не знаю, звонил ли он.
Direct question "Did he call?" becomes indirect with "if".
Will they come? becomes I wonder whether they will come.
Они придут? становится Интересно, придут ли они.
Direct question "Will they come?" becomes indirect with "whether".
Has she arrived? becomes Can you tell me if she has arrived?
Она прибыла? становится Можешь сказать мне, прибыла ли она?
Direct question "Has she arrived?" becomes indirect with "if".
Can he swim? becomes Do you know whether he can swim?
Он умеет плавать? становится Ты знаешь, умеет ли он плавать?
Direct question "Can he swim?" becomes indirect with "whether".
Is it raining? becomes I wonder if it is raining.
Идёт дождь? становится Интересно, идёт ли дождь.
Direct question "Is it raining?" becomes indirect with "if".
Are you coming? becomes She asked whether I was coming.
Ты идёшь? становится Она спросила, иду ли я.
Direct question "Are you coming?" becomes indirect with "whether".
If can introduce an embedded yes/no question.
For example, I do not know if he is ready.
I do not know if he is ready.
Я не знаю, готов ли он.
"If" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
Do you know if she is coming?
Ты знаешь, идёт ли она?
"If" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
I wonder if they will agree.
Интересно, согласятся ли они.
"If" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
She asked if I was busy.
Она спросила, занят ли я.
"If" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
Can you tell me if this is correct?
Можешь сказать мне, правильно ли это?
"If" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
I don't know if it will rain.
Я не знаю, будет ли дождь.
"If" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
He asked if we were ready.
Он спросил, готовы ли мы.
"If" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
Do you know if the shop is open?
Ты знаешь, открыт ли магазин?
"If" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
Whether can introduce an embedded yes/no question and is often preferred in formal writing or when alternatives are explicit.
For example, I do not know whether he is ready.
I do not know whether he is ready.
Я не знаю, готов ли он.
"Whether" introduces an embedded yes/no question and is often preferred in formal writing.
Do you know whether she is coming?
Ты знаешь, идёт ли она?
"Whether" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
I wonder whether they will agree.
Интересно, согласятся ли они.
"Whether" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
She asked whether I was busy.
Она спросила, занят ли я.
"Whether" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
Can you tell me whether this is correct?
Можешь сказать мне, правильно ли это?
"Whether" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
I don't know whether it will rain.
Я не знаю, будет ли дождь.
"Whether" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
He asked whether we were ready.
Он спросил, готовы ли мы.
"Whether" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
Do you know whether the shop is open?
Ты знаешь, открыт ли магазин?
"Whether" introduces an embedded yes/no question.
If and whether can both introduce many embedded yes/no questions, but whether is preferred in some formal structures and when alternatives are expressed.
For example, I do not know whether to stay or leave.
I do not know whether to stay or leave.
Я не знаю, остаться или уйти.
"Whether" is preferred when alternatives are explicit.
I do not know if he is ready.
Я не знаю, готов ли он.
"If" is common in informal contexts.
Do you know whether she will come or not?
Ты знаешь, придёт она или нет?
"Whether" is used with "or not".
I wonder if they will agree.
Интересно, согласятся ли они.
"If" can introduce an embedded yes/no question.
She asked whether I was busy.
Она спросила, занят ли я.
"Whether" is often preferred in formal writing.
Can you tell me if this is correct?
Можешь сказать мне, правильно ли это?
"If" is common in everyday requests.
I don't know whether it will rain.
Я не знаю, будет ли дождь.
"Whether" is more formal.
He asked if we were ready.
Он спросил, готовы ли мы.
"If" is acceptable in reported questions.
Whether or not emphasizes that the answer does not affect the main statement or that both possibilities are being considered.
For example, I will go whether or not you come.
I will go whether or not you come.
Я пойду, придёшь ты или нет.
"Whether or not" emphasizes that the answer does not affect the main statement.
She will stay whether or not it rains.
Она останется, будет дождь или нет.
"Whether or not" emphasizes both possibilities.
I will help whether or not he asks.
Я помогу, попросит он или нет.
"Whether or not" emphasizes that the answer does not affect the main statement.
We will continue whether or not they agree.
Мы продолжим, согласятся они или нет.
"Whether or not" emphasizes both possibilities.
She will come whether or not she is invited.
Она придёт, пригласят её или нет.
"Whether or not" emphasizes that the answer does not affect the main statement.
He will be there whether or not you want him.
Он будет там, хочешь ты этого или нет.
"Whether or not" emphasizes both possibilities.
I will call you whether or not I have time.
Я позвоню тебе, будет у меня время или нет.
"Whether or not" emphasizes that the answer does not affect the main statement.
They will proceed whether or not we object.
Они продолжат, будем мы возражать или нет.
"Whether or not" emphasizes both possibilities.
Wh-words such as who, what, where, when, why, and how can introduce embedded information questions.
For example, Do you know where she works? and I wonder why he left.
Do you know where she works?
Ты знаешь, где она работает?
"Where" introduces an embedded information question.
I wonder why he left.
Интересно, почему он ушёл.
"Why" introduces an embedded information question.
Can you tell me what she wants?
Можешь сказать мне, что она хочет?
"What" introduces an embedded information question.
Do you know who called?
Ты знаешь, кто звонил?
"Who" introduces an embedded information question.
I don't know when the meeting starts.
Я не знаю, когда начинается собрание.
"When" introduces an embedded information question.
Do you know how this works?
Ты знаешь, как это работает?
"How" introduces an embedded information question.
I wonder where they are.
Интересно, где они.
"Where" introduces an embedded information question.
Can you tell me why she is upset?
Можешь сказать мне, почему она расстроена?
"Why" introduces an embedded information question.
What introduces an embedded question asking about a thing, information, action, or identity.
For example, Do you know what she wants?
Do you know what she wants?
Ты знаешь, что она хочет?
"What" asks about a thing or information.
I wonder what he said.
Интересно, что он сказал.
"What" asks about information.
Can you tell me what happened?
Можешь сказать мне, что случилось?
"What" asks about an event.
Do you know what this is?
Ты знаешь, что это?
"What" asks about identity.
I don't know what to do.
Я не знаю, что делать.
"What" asks about an action.
She asked what I wanted.
Она спросила, что я хочу.
"What" asks about a desire.
Do you know what time it is?
Ты знаешь, который час?
"What" asks about information.
I wonder what will happen.
Интересно, что произойдёт.
"What" asks about a future event.
Who can introduce an embedded question asking about a person and can be the subject or object of the embedded clause.
For example, Do you know who called? and Do you know who she called?
Do you know who called?
Ты знаешь, кто звонил?
"Who" is the subject of the embedded clause.
Do you know who she called?
Ты знаешь, кому она звонила?
"Who" is the object of the embedded clause.
I wonder who that is.
Интересно, кто это.
"Who" asks about a person.
Can you tell me who is responsible?
Можешь сказать мне, кто ответственный?
"Who" is the subject of the embedded clause.
I don't know who to ask.
Я не знаю, кого спросить.
"Who" refers to a person.
She asked who I was.
Она спросила, кто я.
"Who" asks about identity.
Do you know who won?
Ты знаешь, кто победил?
"Who" is the subject of the embedded clause.
I wonder who they invited.
Интересно, кого они пригласили.
"Who" is the object of the embedded clause.
Where introduces an embedded question asking about location or destination.
For example, Do you know where the station is?
Do you know where the station is?
Ты знаешь, где находится вокзал?
"Where" asks about location.
I wonder where she went.
Интересно, куда она пошла.
"Where" asks about destination.
Can you tell me where he lives?
Можешь сказать мне, где он живёт?
"Where" asks about location.
I don't know where to go.
Я не знаю, куда идти.
"Where" asks about direction.
She asked where I was.
Она спросила, где я.
"Where" asks about location.
Do you know where they are?
Ты знаешь, где они?
"Where" asks about location.
I wonder where this road leads.
Интересно, куда ведёт эта дорога.
"Where" asks about destination.
Can you tell me where the keys are?
Можешь сказать мне, где ключи?
"Where" asks about location.
When introduces an embedded question asking about time.
For example, Do you know when the meeting starts?
Do you know when the meeting starts?
Ты знаешь, когда начинается собрание?
"When" asks about time.
I wonder when she will arrive.
Интересно, когда она прибудет.
"When" asks about time.
Can you tell me when the shop opens?
Можешь сказать мне, когда открывается магазин?
"When" asks about time.
I don't know when to call.
Я не знаю, когда звонить.
"When" asks about time.
She asked when we were leaving.
Она спросила, когда мы уезжаем.
"When" asks about time.
Do you know when it happened?
Ты знаешь, когда это случилось?
"When" asks about time.
I wonder when the film ends.
Интересно, когда заканчивается фильм.
"When" asks about time.
Can you tell me when the train leaves?
Можешь сказать мне, когда отправляется поезд?
"When" asks about time.
Why introduces an embedded question asking about reason or cause.
For example, I wonder why she left early.
I wonder why she left early.
Интересно, почему она ушла рано.
"Why" asks about reason or cause.
Do you know why he is upset?
Ты знаешь, почему он расстроен?
"Why" asks about reason.
Can you tell me why this happened?
Можешь сказать мне, почему это случилось?
"Why" asks about cause.
I don't know why she is crying.
Я не знаю, почему она плачет.
"Why" asks about reason.
She asked why I was late.
Она спросила, почему я опоздал.
"Why" asks about reason.
Do you know why they canceled?
Ты знаешь, почему они отменили?
"Why" asks about reason.
I wonder why it is so expensive.
Интересно, почему это так дорого.
"Why" asks about cause.
Can you tell me why you are angry?
Можешь сказать мне, почему ты злишься?
"Why" asks about reason.
How introduces an embedded question asking about manner, method, degree, quantity, frequency, duration, or distance.
For example, Do you know how this works? and I wonder how long it will take.
Do you know how this works?
Ты знаешь, как это работает?
"How" asks about manner or method.
I wonder how long it will take.
Интересно, сколько времени это займёт.
"How long" asks about duration.
Can you tell me how to get there?
Можешь сказать мне, как туда добраться?
"How" asks about method.
I don't know how much it costs.
Я не знаю, сколько это стоит.
"How much" asks about price.
She asked how I was feeling.
Она спросила, как я себя чувствую.
"How" asks about condition.
Do you know how many people came?
Ты знаешь, сколько людей пришло?
"How many" asks about number.
I wonder how far it is.
Интересно, как далеко это.
"How far" asks about distance.
Can you tell me how often the bus runs?
Можешь сказать мне, как часто ходит автобус?
"How often" asks about frequency.
When be occurs inside an indirect question, it remains after the subject because the embedded clause uses statement word order.
For example, Do you know where she is? not Do you know where is she?
Do you know where she is?
Ты знаешь, где она?
"Be" remains after the subject in "where she is".
I wonder where he is.
Интересно, где он.
"Be" remains after the subject in "where he is".
Can you tell me what this is?
Можешь сказать мне, что это?
"Be" remains after the subject in "what this is".
I don't know who she is.
Я не знаю, кто она.
"Be" remains after the subject in "who she is".
She asked where I was.
Она спросила, где я.
"Be" remains after the subject in "where I was".
Do you know where they are?
Ты знаешь, где они?
"Be" remains after the subject in "where they are".
I wonder what it is.
Интересно, что это.
"Be" remains after the subject in "what it is".
Can you tell me who they are?
Можешь сказать мне, кто они?
"Be" remains after the subject in "who they are".
Do-support used in a direct simple question normally disappears in the embedded question.
For example, Where does he live? becomes Do you know where he lives?
Do you know where he lives?
Ты знаешь, где он живёт?
Do-support disappears: "where he lives", not "where does he live".
I wonder what she wants.
Интересно, что она хочет.
Do-support disappears: "what she wants".
Can you tell me when the train leaves?
Можешь сказать мне, когда отправляется поезд?
Do-support disappears: "when the train leaves".
I don't know how this works.
Я не знаю, как это работает.
Do-support disappears: "how this works".
She asked where I lived.
Она спросила, где я жил.
Do-support disappears: "where I lived".
Do you know why he left?
Ты знаешь, почему он ушёл?
Do-support disappears: "why he left".
I wonder when they arrive.
Интересно, когда они прибудут.
Do-support disappears: "when they arrive".
Can you tell me what time it is?
Можешь сказать мне, который час?
Do-support disappears: "what time it is".
Modal verbs remain in their normal position after the subject in an indirect question.
For example, What can we do? becomes Do you know what we can do?
Do you know what we can do?
Ты знаешь, что мы можем сделать?
Modal "can" remains after the subject in "what we can do".
I wonder where I should go.
Интересно, куда мне следует пойти.
Modal "should" remains after the subject in "where I should go".
Can you tell me when they will arrive?
Можешь сказать мне, когда они прибудут?
Modal "will" remains after the subject in "when they will arrive".
I don't know if he can help.
Я не знаю, может ли он помочь.
Modal "can" remains after the subject in "if he can help".
She asked what she should wear.
Она спросила, что ей следует надеть.
Modal "should" remains after the subject in "what she should wear".
Do you know how I can contact him?
Ты знаешь, как я могу с ним связаться?
Modal "can" remains after the subject in "how I can contact him".
I wonder whether we should leave.
Интересно, следует ли нам уйти.
Modal "should" remains after the subject in "whether we should leave".
Can you tell me what I must do?
Можешь сказать мне, что я должен делать?
Modal "must" remains after the subject in "what I must do".
Perfect auxiliaries remain after the embedded subject rather than moving before it.
For example, Has she arrived? becomes Do you know whether she has arrived?
Do you know whether she has arrived?
Ты знаешь, прибыла ли она?
Perfect auxiliary "has" remains after the subject in "whether she has arrived".
I wonder if they have finished.
Интересно, закончили ли они.
Perfect auxiliary "have" remains after the subject in "if they have finished".
Can you tell me what he has done?
Можешь сказать мне, что он сделал?
Perfect auxiliary "has" remains after the subject in "what he has done".
I don't know whether they had left.
Я не знаю, ушли ли они.
Perfect auxiliary "had" remains after the subject in "whether they had left".
She asked if I had seen it.
Она спросила, видел ли я это.
Perfect auxiliary "had" remains after the subject in "if I had seen it".
Do you know how long she has been waiting?
Ты знаешь, как долго она ждёт?
Perfect auxiliary "has" remains after the subject in "how long she has been waiting".
I wonder whether he has called.
Интересно, позвонил ли он.
Perfect auxiliary "has" remains after the subject in "whether he has called".
Can you tell me what they have decided?
Можешь сказать мне, что они решили?
Perfect auxiliary "have" remains after the subject in "what they have decided".
Progressive auxiliaries remain in normal statement order inside the embedded question.
For example, What is she doing? becomes Do you know what she is doing?
Do you know what she is doing?
Ты знаешь, что она делает?
Progressive auxiliary "is" remains after the subject in "what she is doing".
I wonder where he is going.
Интересно, куда он идёт.
Progressive auxiliary "is" remains after the subject in "where he is going".
Can you tell me why they are waiting?
Можешь сказать мне, почему они ждут?
Progressive auxiliary "are" remains after the subject in "why they are waiting".
I don't know if it is raining.
Я не знаю, идёт ли дождь.
Progressive auxiliary "is" remains after the subject in "if it is raining".
She asked what I was reading.
Она спросила, что я читаю.
Progressive auxiliary "was" remains after the subject in "what I was reading".
Do you know who is coming?
Ты знаешь, кто идёт?
Progressive auxiliary "is" remains after the subject in "who is coming".
I wonder what they are talking about.
Интересно, о чём они говорят.
Progressive auxiliary "are" remains after the subject in "what they are talking about".
Can you tell me where she is staying?
Можешь сказать мне, где она остановилась?
Progressive auxiliary "is" remains after the subject in "where she is staying".
Indirect questions can make requests for information more polite, tentative, or less direct.
For example, Where is the station? can become Could you tell me where the station is?
Could you tell me where the station is?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, где находится вокзал?
Polite frame "Could you tell me" introduces the indirect question.
Do you know when the shop closes?
Ты знаешь, когда закрывается магазин?
Polite frame "Do you know" introduces the indirect question.
Would you mind telling me how this works?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, как это работает?
Very polite frame "Would you mind telling me" introduces the indirect question.
I wonder where she is.
Интересно, где она.
Tentative frame "I wonder" introduces the indirect question.
Can you tell me what time it is?
Можешь сказать мне, который час?
Polite frame "Can you tell me" introduces the indirect question.
Do you have any idea where he lives?
Ты случайно не знаешь, где он живёт?
Polite frame "Do you have any idea" introduces the indirect question.
Could you tell me why the train is late?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, почему поезд опаздывает?
Polite frame "Could you tell me" introduces the indirect question.
Would you mind telling me where I can find a taxi?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, где я могу найти такси?
Very polite frame "Would you mind telling me" introduces the indirect question.
Could you tell me ... is a common polite frame for introducing an indirect question.
For example, Could you tell me where the nearest bank is?
Could you tell me where the nearest bank is?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, где ближайший банк?
"Could you tell me" is a common polite frame.
Could you tell me what time the meeting starts?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, когда начинается собрание?
"Could you tell me" introduces the indirect question.
Could you tell me how to get to the station?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, как добраться до вокзала?
"Could you tell me" introduces the indirect question.
Could you tell me why the office is closed?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, почему офис закрыт?
"Could you tell me" introduces the indirect question.
Could you tell me where I can park?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, где я могу припарковаться?
"Could you tell me" introduces the indirect question.
Could you tell me when the next train leaves?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, когда отправляется следующий поезд?
"Could you tell me" introduces the indirect question.
Could you tell me how much this costs?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, сколько это стоит?
"Could you tell me" introduces the indirect question.
Could you tell me who is in charge?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, кто здесь главный?
"Could you tell me" introduces the indirect question.
Do you know ... commonly introduces an indirect question requesting information.
For example, Do you know when the shop closes?
Do you know when the shop closes?
Ты знаешь, когда закрывается магазин?
"Do you know" introduces an indirect question.
Do you know where she lives?
Ты знаешь, где она живёт?
"Do you know" introduces an indirect question.
Do you know what time it is?
Ты знаешь, который час?
"Do you know" introduces an indirect question.
Do you know why he left?
Ты знаешь, почему он ушёл?
"Do you know" introduces an indirect question.
Do you know how this works?
Ты знаешь, как это работает?
"Do you know" introduces an indirect question.
Do you know if she is coming?
Ты знаешь, идёт ли она?
"Do you know" introduces an indirect question.
Do you know where the station is?
Ты знаешь, где находится вокзал?
"Do you know" introduces an indirect question.
Do you know when the meeting starts?
Ты знаешь, когда начинается собрание?
"Do you know" introduces an indirect question.
Would you mind telling me ... introduces a particularly polite request for information.
For example, Would you mind telling me how this works?
Would you mind telling me how this works?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, как это работает?
"Would you mind telling me" is a very polite frame.
Would you mind telling me where the station is?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, где находится вокзал?
"Would you mind telling me" introduces a polite request.
Would you mind telling me what time it is?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, который час?
"Would you mind telling me" introduces a polite request.
Would you mind telling me why you are late?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, почему вы опоздали?
"Would you mind telling me" introduces a polite request.
Would you mind telling me where I can find a taxi?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, где я могу найти такси?
"Would you mind telling me" introduces a polite request.
Would you mind telling me how much this costs?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, сколько это стоит?
"Would you mind telling me" introduces a polite request.
Would you mind telling me who is in charge?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, кто здесь главный?
"Would you mind telling me" introduces a polite request.
Would you mind telling me when the next train leaves?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, когда отправляется следующий поезд?
"Would you mind telling me" introduces a polite request.
I wonder can introduce an indirect question that sounds tentative or less direct.
For example, I wonder where she is.
I wonder where she is.
Интересно, где она.
"I wonder" introduces a tentative indirect question.
I wonder what he wants.
Интересно, что он хочет.
"I wonder" introduces a tentative indirect question.
I wonder why they left.
Интересно, почему они ушли.
"I wonder" introduces a tentative indirect question.
I wonder if she is coming.
Интересно, идёт ли она.
"I wonder" introduces a tentative indirect question.
I wonder how this works.
Интересно, как это работает.
"I wonder" introduces a tentative indirect question.
I wonder when the meeting starts.
Интересно, когда начинается собрание.
"I wonder" introduces a tentative indirect question.
I wonder where they are going.
Интересно, куда они идут.
"I wonder" introduces a tentative indirect question.
I wonder whether he will agree.
Интересно, согласится ли он.
"I wonder" introduces a tentative indirect question.
Do you have any idea ... can introduce an indirect question and emphasizes that the speaker is asking whether the listener knows the answer.
For example, Do you have any idea where he lives?
Do you have any idea where he lives?
Ты случайно не знаешь, где он живёт?
"Do you have any idea" emphasizes that the speaker is asking whether the listener knows.
Do you have any idea what time it is?
Ты случайно не знаешь, который час?
"Do you have any idea" introduces a tentative indirect question.
Do you have any idea why she left?
Ты случайно не знаешь, почему она ушла?
"Do you have any idea" introduces a tentative indirect question.
Do you have any idea how this works?
Ты случайно не знаешь, как это работает?
"Do you have any idea" introduces a tentative indirect question.
Do you have any idea where the station is?
Ты случайно не знаешь, где находится вокзал?
"Do you have any idea" introduces a tentative indirect question.
Do you have any idea when the shop closes?
Ты случайно не знаешь, когда закрывается магазин?
"Do you have any idea" introduces a tentative indirect question.
Do you have any idea who called?
Ты случайно не знаешь, кто звонил?
"Do you have any idea" introduces a tentative indirect question.
Do you have any idea whether they will come?
Ты случайно не знаешь, придут ли они?
"Do you have any idea" introduces a tentative indirect question.
An indirect question can function as the object or complement of verbs such as know, wonder, ask, remember, and explain.
For example, I know where she lives and We asked whether they were ready.
I know where she lives.
Я знаю, где она живёт.
The indirect question "where she lives" functions as the object of "know".
We asked whether they were ready.
Мы спросили, готовы ли они.
The indirect question "whether they were ready" functions as the object of "asked".
I wonder what he wants.
Интересно, что он хочет.
The indirect question "what he wants" functions as the object of "wonder".
She explained why she was late.
Она объяснила, почему опоздала.
The indirect question "why she was late" functions as the object of "explained".
I don't remember where I put it.
Я не помню, куда я это положил.
The indirect question "where I put it" functions as the object of "remember".
Do you know when the meeting starts?
Ты знаешь, когда начинается собрание?
The indirect question "when the meeting starts" functions as the object of "know".
He asked if I was busy.
Он спросил, занят ли я.
The indirect question "if I was busy" functions as the object of "asked".
I wonder whether they will agree.
Интересно, согласятся ли они.
The indirect question "whether they will agree" functions as the object of "wonder".
An indirect question can be embedded inside a noun phrase to identify a question, issue, or uncertainty.
For example, the question of where we should go and uncertainty about whether they will agree.
the question of where we should go
вопрос о том, куда нам следует пойти
The indirect question "where we should go" is embedded inside the noun phrase "the question of ...".
uncertainty about whether they will agree
неопределённость о том, согласятся ли они
The indirect question "whether they will agree" is embedded inside the noun phrase.
the issue of how we can solve this
вопрос о том, как мы можем это решить
The indirect question "how we can solve this" is embedded inside the noun phrase.
the problem of when to start
проблема того, когда начинать
The indirect question "when to start" is embedded inside the noun phrase.
doubt about whether it is true
сомнение в том, правда ли это
The indirect question "whether it is true" is embedded inside the noun phrase.
the decision of where to go
решение о том, куда идти
The indirect question "where to go" is embedded inside the noun phrase.
the question of who should lead
вопрос о том, кто должен вести
The indirect question "who should lead" is embedded inside the noun phrase.
concern about how long it will take
беспокойство о том, сколько времени это займёт
The indirect question "how long it will take" is embedded inside the noun phrase.
Some embedded questions can be reduced to wh-word + to-infinitive when the subject and meaning are recoverable from context.
For example, I do not know what to do, where to go, or how to solve the problem.
I do not know what to do.
Я не знаю, что делать.
The embedded question is reduced to "what to do".
She asked where to go.
Она спросила, куда идти.
The embedded question is reduced to "where to go".
He explained how to solve the problem.
Он объяснил, как решить проблему.
The embedded question is reduced to "how to solve the problem".
I wonder when to start.
Интересно, когда начинать.
The embedded question is reduced to "when to start".
They decided which to choose.
Они решили, что выбрать.
The embedded question is reduced to "which to choose".
Do you know who to contact?
Ты знаешь, с кем связаться?
The embedded question is reduced to "who to contact".
I forgot where to put it.
Я забыл, куда это положить.
The embedded question is reduced to "where to put it".
She learned how to drive.
Она научилась водить.
The embedded question is reduced to "how to drive".
Whether can be followed by a to-infinitive when the alternatives concern an action to be taken.
For example, I cannot decide whether to stay or leave.
I cannot decide whether to stay or leave.
Я не могу решить, остаться или уйти.
"Whether to stay or leave" expresses alternatives concerning an action.
She wondered whether to accept the offer.
Она раздумывала, принять ли предложение.
"Whether to accept" introduces an alternative.
He asked whether to wait or go.
Он спросил, ждать или идти.
"Whether to wait or go" expresses alternatives.
I don't know whether to call him.
Я не знаю, звонить ли ему.
"Whether to call" introduces an action option.
They debated whether to invest.
Они обсуждали, инвестировать ли.
"Whether to invest" expresses an alternative.
She couldn't decide whether to tell him.
Она не могла решить, говорить ли ему.
"Whether to tell" introduces an action option.
We must decide whether to continue.
Мы должны решить, продолжать ли.
"Whether to continue" expresses an alternative.
He wondered whether to apologize.
Он раздумывал, извиняться ли.
"Whether to apologize" introduces an action option.
A sentence containing an indirect question does not necessarily end with a question mark if the whole sentence is grammatically a statement.
For example, I do not know where she lives. is a statement, while Do you know where she lives? is a question.
I do not know where she lives.
Я не знаю, где она живёт.
The sentence is a statement, so it ends with a period.
Do you know where she lives?
Ты знаешь, где она живёт?
The sentence is a question, so it ends with a question mark.
I wonder what he wants.
Интересно, что он хочет.
The sentence is a statement, so it ends with a period.
Can you tell me what he wants?
Можешь сказать мне, что он хочет?
The sentence is a question, so it ends with a question mark.
She asked if I was busy.
Она спросила, занят ли я.
The sentence is a statement, so it ends with a period.
Do you know if she is coming?
Ты знаешь, идёт ли она?
The sentence is a question, so it ends with a question mark.
I don't know when the meeting starts.
Я не знаю, когда начинается собрание.
The sentence is a statement, so it ends with a period.
Could you tell me when the meeting starts?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, когда начинается собрание?
The sentence is a question, so it ends with a question mark.
A direct question quoted within a larger sentence can retain its own question mark according to the quotation and punctuation conventions being used.
For example, She asked, "Where are you going?" differs from She asked where I was going.
She asked, "Where are you going?"
Она спросила: «Куда ты идёшь?»
The quoted direct question retains its own question mark.
She asked where I was going.
Она спросила, куда я иду.
The indirect question is a statement, so no question mark.
He said, "What do you want?"
Он сказал: «Что ты хочешь?»
The quoted direct question retains its question mark.
He asked what I wanted.
Он спросил, что я хочу.
The indirect question is a statement, so no question mark.
They asked, "When does it start?"
Они спросили: «Когда это начинается?»
The quoted direct question retains its question mark.
They asked when it started.
Они спросили, когда это началось.
The indirect question is a statement, so no question mark.
I asked, "Why are you late?"
Я спросил: «Почему ты опоздал?»
The quoted direct question retains its question mark.
I asked why he was late.
Я спросил, почему он опоздал.
The indirect question is a statement, so no question mark.
Indirect questions are common in formal correspondence, customer service, professional requests, and institutional communication.
For example, Could you please tell me when the application deadline is?
Could you please tell me when the application deadline is?
Не могли бы вы, пожалуйста, сказать мне, когда крайний срок подачи заявки?
Formal indirect question in professional communication.
I would like to know whether the position is still available.
Я хотел бы знать, доступна ли ещё эта должность.
Formal indirect question in a professional inquiry.
Do you know where the conference will be held?
Вы знаете, где будет проводиться конференция?
Formal indirect question in institutional communication.
Could you tell me how I can update my details?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, как я могу обновить свои данные?
Formal indirect question in customer service.
We need to know when the shipment will arrive.
Нам нужно знать, когда прибудет отправление.
Formal indirect question in business correspondence.
Please let me know if you require further information.
Пожалуйста, сообщите мне, если вам потребуется дополнительная информация.
Formal indirect question in professional writing.
I wonder whether you could clarify the procedure.
Мне интересно, не могли бы вы разъяснить процедуру.
Formal tentative indirect question.
Could you confirm whether the payment has been received?
Не могли бы вы подтвердить, было ли получено платеж?
Formal indirect question in financial context.
An indirect question can simply embed a question as part of another sentence, while a reported question describes a previous question and may involve tense or person changes according to reporting context.
For example, Can you tell me where he lives? is an indirect question, while She asked me where he lived reports a previous question.
Can you tell me where he lives?
Можешь сказать мне, где он живёт?
This is an indirect question requesting information.
She asked me where he lived.
Она спросила меня, где он живёт.
This is a reported question describing a previous question.
Do you know what time it is?
Ты знаешь, который час?
This is an indirect question.
He asked what time it was.
Он спросил, который час.
This is a reported question with tense backshift.
I wonder if she is coming.
Интересно, идёт ли она.
This is an indirect question.
She wondered if I was coming.
Она поинтересовалась, иду ли я.
This is a reported question with person change.
Could you tell me how this works?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, как это работает?
This is an indirect question.
He asked how it worked.
Он спросил, как это работает.
This is a reported question with tense backshift.
Different introductory expressions allow speakers to adjust the politeness, formality, and directness of an information request.
For example, Where is the station? is direct, while Could you tell me where the station is? is more polite and indirect.
Where is the station?
Где находится вокзал?
Direct question is neutral and straightforward.
Could you tell me where the station is?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, где находится вокзал?
Indirect question is more polite.
Do you know where the station is?
Ты знаешь, где находится вокзал?
Indirect question is informal but polite.
Would you mind telling me where the station is?
Вы не могли бы сказать мне, где находится вокзал?
Very polite and formal indirect question.
What time is it?
Который час?
Direct question is neutral.
Could you tell me what time it is?
Не могли бы вы сказать мне, который час?
Indirect question is more polite.
Do you have any idea what time it is?
Ты случайно не знаешь, который час?
Tentative indirect question.
I wonder what time it is.
Интересно, который час.
Tentative and less direct.
Use statement word order inside indirect questions and do not repeat direct-question inversion inside the embedded clause.
Common mistakes include Do you know where does he live?, Can you tell me what is she doing?, adding unnecessary do-support, and using a question mark after an ordinary statement containing an indirect question.
Do you know where he lives?
Ты знаешь, где он живёт?
Correct: embedded question uses statement word order.
Do you know where does he live?
Ты знаешь, где он живёт?
Incorrect: direct-question inversion is used inside the embedded clause.
Can you tell me what she is doing?
Можешь сказать мне, что она делает?
Correct: embedded question uses statement word order.
Can you tell me what is she doing?
Можешь сказать мне, что она делает?
Incorrect: direct-question inversion is used inside the embedded clause.
I don't know where he works.
Я не знаю, где он работает.
Correct: no do-support in the embedded clause.
I don't know where does he work.
Я не знаю, где он работает.
Incorrect: unnecessary do-support in the embedded clause.
I do not know where she lives.
Я не знаю, где она живёт.
Correct: the sentence is a statement, so no question mark.
I do not know where she lives?
Я не знаю, где она живёт?
Incorrect: question mark after a statement containing an indirect question.