The key idea
Choose an opening phrase, use statement word order, and add the correct punctuation.
What is it for?
Learn to ask for information politely in emails and other written messages.
What you need to know
- Choose an opening phrase that matches the situation and level of formality.
- Keep statement word order after the opening phrase.
- Use if or whether when asking about a yes-or-no answer.
- Use question words such as where, what, why and when.
- Choose punctuation based on the complete sentence, not the hidden question.
- Use indirect questions to sound polite in formal emails.
1. Change the question, not the meaning
Indirect questions ask for information in a more polite way. They are useful in emails to schools, shops and offices.
Start with a polite phrase. Then keep the original question's meaning, but change its word order.
- A direct question uses question word order.
- An indirect question uses statement word order after its opening phrase.
- The opening phrase can make a request sound less direct.
Could you tell me where the station is?
The phrase is polite, and the words after where follow statement order.
I would like to know when the next course starts.
This form works well in a formal email.
2. Keep statement word order
After the opening phrase, use the same word order as a normal statement.
Do not add do, does or did to the indirect part. Do not put the subject after the verb.
- Write where the office is, not where is the office.
- Write when the course starts, not when does the course start.
- Keep the main verb in the correct tense.
Could you explain how the payment system works?
The subject comes before the verb works.
I wonder why the price changed.
The subject comes before the past-tense verb changed.
3. Use if or whether for yes-or-no answers
Some questions need a yes-or-no answer. Use if or whether after the opening phrase.
Both words are often correct. Whether is common in formal writing, especially when asking about choices or possibilities.
- Use if or whether before a subject and verb.
- Do not use if or whether with a question word such as where.
- Choose whether for a slightly more formal tone when it fits.
I would like to know whether the course is online.
Whether introduces a question with a yes-or-no answer.
Could you tell me if lunch is included?
If introduces the indirect question.
4. Choose the opening phrase and punctuation
Choose an opening phrase that fits your purpose. Some phrases ask directly for help, while others introduce a request for information.
A question mark belongs after a complete question. A statement that contains an indirect question usually ends with a full stop.
- Could you tell me ...? makes a polite request.
- Do you know ...? asks someone for information.
- I wonder if ... introduces a statement, so use a full stop.
- I would like to know ... is useful in formal emails.
- I am writing to ask whether ... is suitable for formal enquiries.
Do you know whether the office closes at six?
The whole sentence is a question, so it ends with a question mark.
I wonder if the office closes at six.
This sentence is a statement, so it ends with a full stop.
5. Make formal emails clear and polite
Indirect questions help you sound respectful when writing to someone you do not know.
Group related questions together. Ask about courses, prices or dates in a clear order. Avoid repeating the same opening phrase in every sentence.
- Begin with a short reason for writing.
- Ask about the main topic first.
- Use a new sentence for each separate request.
- End by thanking the reader and requesting a reply.
I am writing to ask whether evening classes are available.
The opening explains the purpose of the email.
I would also appreciate information about payment options.
This adds a related request without repeating the same opening.
How to do it, step by step
- Start with a greeting and a short reason for writing.
- Ask about the main course or service using an indirect question.
- Ask about prices, dates and other details in separate sentences.
- Request any extra information you need.
- Thank the reader and finish with a suitable closing.
Formulas and key language
| Use it for | Example | Another example |
|---|---|---|
| Could you tell me + question word + subject + verb? | Could you tell me where the school is? | Could you tell me when registration opens? |
| Do you know + if/whether + subject + verb? | Do you know whether the fee includes books? | Do you know if classes start in January? |
| I wonder if/whether + subject + verb. | I wonder if the library opens on Saturdays. | I wonder whether online lessons are available. |
| I would like to know + question word + subject + verb. | I would like to know why the price changed. | I would like to know how the test works. |
| I am writing to ask whether + subject + verb. | I am writing to ask whether places are available. | I am writing to ask whether the course includes materials. |
| Could you explain + question word + subject + verb? | Could you explain how the payment system works? | Could you explain when the course finishes? |
| I would appreciate it if you could + base verb. | I would appreciate it if you could send the timetable. | I would appreciate it if you could confirm the start date. |
| Please let me know + if/whether + subject + verb. | Please let me know whether the fee can be paid monthly. | Please let me know if places are still available. |
UK / US: Both British and American English use indirect questions. Spelling and some words may differ, but the word order rule stays the same.
Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B2 upgrades page.
Model text
Enquiry About English Courses
Subject
Enquiry About Evening English Courses
The subject tells the reader the email's purpose.
Opening
Dear Admissions Team, I am writing to ask whether your school offers evening English courses for working adults. I would like to improve my writing and speaking skills while keeping my current job.
The greeting and first sentence explain the reason for writing.
Main questions
Could you tell me what levels are available and when the next course begins? I would also like to know whether students can attend two evenings per week. Furthermore, could you explain how the placement test works and whether students need to buy their own books?
The writer asks about levels, dates, schedules and materials.
Prices and extra details
I wonder if the course fee can be paid monthly. Could you also tell me whether registration is still open for the November intake? If a timetable is available, I would appreciate it if you could send me a copy. This information would help me compare the available courses and plan my weekly schedule.
The writer asks about costs and dates, then requests useful documents.
Closing
Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to receiving your reply. Kind regards, Alex Morgan
The closing is polite and suitable for a formal enquiry.
Common mistakes
✗ Could you tell me where is the station?
✓ Could you tell me where the station is?
The subject comes before the verb in the indirect question.
✗ I wonder if does the course include books.
✓ I wonder if the course includes books.
Do not use does inside this indirect question.
✗ I would like to know when does registration open.
✓ I would like to know when registration opens.
Use statement word order after when.
✗ Could you tell me whether is lunch included?
✓ Could you tell me whether lunch is included?
Put the subject before the verb after whether.
✗ I wonder if the office opens at nine?
✓ I wonder if the office opens at nine.
This sentence is a statement, so it needs a full stop.
✗ I am writing to ask that the course is online.
✓ I am writing to ask whether the course is online.
Use whether to introduce a yes-or-no question.
Plan it, then check it
Plan
- Write down the information you need from the reader.
- Group your questions by topic, such as prices and dates.
- Choose a suitable opening phrase for each question.
- Arrange the questions in a clear order.
- Add a greeting, a polite closing and your name.
Check
- Check that every indirect question has statement word order.
- Remove do, does or did from the indirect part.
- Check whether if or whether introduces each yes-or-no question.
- Check question marks and full stops carefully.
- Remove repeated questions and keep the email polite.
Practice
Choose the correct indirect question
Choose the sentence with correct word order and punctuation.
1.You need the school's address.
The subject comes before the verb in the indirect part.
2.You need to know whether books are included.
Use if followed by the subject and verb.
3.You need the next start date.
The indirect part uses statement word order.
4.You need information about payment.
The subject comes before the verb works.
5.You want to know whether online classes are available.
Whether introduces the yes-or-no question with statement word order.
6.You want to know the office's opening time.
The subject comes before the verb in the indirect part.
Build indirect questions
Put the words in the correct order. Add the correct punctuation.
1.Put the words in order:
iswhereschoolcouldmetheyoutell
The subject the school comes before the verb is.
2.Put the words in order:
iwonderstartsthecourseonwhetherMonday
Whether is followed by the subject and verb.
3.Put the words in order:
couldbeginsthetellmeyouwhentest
The indirect part uses statement word order.
4.Put the words in order:
iwouldtotheiswhatpriceknowlike
The subject the price comes before the verb is.
5.Put the words in order:
includesyoubookswhetherdothefeeknow
Do belongs to the opening question, not the indirect part.
6.Put the words in order:
youcouldworkspaymentthehowsystemexplain
The subject the payment system comes before works.
Complete the indirect question
Write if, whether, where or what in each gap.
1.Could you tell me the nearest bus stop is?
Where asks about a place.
2.I would like to know the course includes books.
Whether introduces a question with a yes-or-no answer.
3.I wonder time the library closes.
What time asks about a specific time.
4.Could you explain the payment office is located?
Where asks about the office's location.
5.I am writing to ask evening classes are available.
Whether introduces a yes-or-no question in a formal enquiry.
6.Do you know the school accepts monthly payments?
If introduces the question about monthly payments.
Correct the word order
Change only the part that contains the mistake.
1.Could you tell me where is the office?
The subject the office comes before is.
2.I wonder if does the course include lunch.
Remove does and use the correct verb form.
3.I would like to know when does registration close.
The indirect part needs statement word order.
4.Could you explain how does the test work?
Put the subject before the verb and remove does.
5.I am writing to ask whether are places available.
The subject places must come before are.
6.I wonder whether the office opens at eight?
A statement containing an indirect question ends with a full stop.
Now write
Your task
Write a formal email of 110-140 words to a language school. Use the fictional name Alex Morgan. You want to join an English course next term. Ask about available levels, course prices and start dates. Also ask about class times, books and payment options. Use only indirect questions. Begin with a greeting and explain why you are writing. Group related questions together. Finish by thanking the reader and requesting a reply. Use made-up details only.
Word bank
admissions teamcourse availabilityevening classescourse feestart dateregistrationplacement teststudy materialsmonthly paymentsclass timetableavailable levelsonline lessonsformal enquiryfurther informationkind regards
Sentence starters
- I am writing to ask whether ...
- Could you tell me when ...
- I would like to know what ...
- I wonder if ...
- Could you explain how ...
- I would appreciate it if you could ...