Indirect Questions

Indirect questions serve as a polite and diplomatic way to seek information or make requests. Using introductory phrases is crucial for constructing these questions. Consider the following examples:

  1. Could you tell me what you need to get this task done?
    • Introductory phrase + question word + positive sentence
    • This example demonstrates how to politely ask a colleague about the requirements for completing a task.
  2. Do you happen to know where the meeting room is?
    • Introductory phrase + positive sentence
    • By using an introductory phrase, this question becomes more polite and less direct, suitable for asking directions.
  3. I wonder if we could move the release date.
    • Introductory phrase + if/whether + positive sentence
    • In this case, an indirect question is employed to suggest a possible change in plans diplomatically.

Introductory phrases:

  • Do you know …
  • I wonder / was wondering ….
  • Can / Could you tell me …
  • Do you happen to know …
  • Do you have any idea …
  • Would you mind telling me…
  • May I ask…
  • I’d like to know …

Negative Questions

Negative questions provide a diplomatic way to express concerns or opinions without sounding too direct. Consider the following examples:

  1. Wouldn’t we be taking a huge risk?
    • Negative auxiliary + subject + positive sentence
    • This example transforms a statement about a risk into a diplomatic question, inviting others to participate in the decision-making process.
  2. Wouldn’t it be better to discuss this proposal with other team members?
    • Negative auxiliary + subject + positive sentence
    • By framing the suggestion as a negative question, the speaker encourages agreement and maintains a more indirect tone.
  3. They can’t both be right, can they?
    • Negative auxiliary + positive sentence
    • This question tag allows room for discussion and persuasiveness, particularly useful in negotiation scenarios.

Negative questions can be formed using negative auxiliaries like ‘shouldn’t,’ ‘wouldn’t,’ ‘don’t,’ or ‘won’t,’ creating a more diplomatic tone and leaving room for discussion.

Question Tags

Question tags contribute to politeness and interaction in both statements and suggestions. Here are examples:

  1. The reports are ready, aren’t they?
    • Positive verb + negative tag
    • By adding a question tag, this statement becomes an invitation for agreement, fostering interaction.
  2. We are meeting next week, aren’t we?
    • Positive verb + negative tag
    • Question tags, as demonstrated here, can maintain engagement and politeness in various situations.
  3. Let’s start the meeting, shall we?
    • Positive verb + positive tag
    • Using a tag softens the suggestion, making it more polite and encouraging participation.

EXCEPTIONS

  1. After ‘I am’ the tag is ‘aren’t’, e.g.
  • I am late, aren’t I?
  • BUT: I am not late, am I?
  1. After ‘let’s’ the tag is ‘shall’, e.g.
  • Let’s go to the beach, shall we?