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What it is
A polite way of asking for information: the question is wrapped inside an introductory phrase, and the word order becomes that of a statement.
Form
| Type | Pattern | Model sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Wh- question | Could you tell me + wh- + subject + verb? | Could you tell me where the office is? |
| Yes/No question | Do you know + if/whether + subject + verb? | Do you know if the shop is open? |
| Statement form | I wonder / I'd like to know + wh-/if + clause | I wonder what time it starts. |
| Negative | I don't know + wh- + subject + verb | I don't know why she left. |
| Short answer | Yes, it is. / No, I'm afraid I don't. | No, I'm afraid I don't know. |
Use it when
- You ask a stranger or a superior for information.
- You write a polite enquiry email.
- You report a question inside a longer sentence.
Examples
- Could you tell me whether the fee includes materials?
- I'd like to know how long the course lasts.
- Do you happen to know when the results come out?
- I was wondering if you could send the details.
Watch out
Can you tell me where is the station?
Can you tell me where the station is?
No inversion inside the embedded question.
Do you know does it start at six?
Do you know if it starts at six?
Use if/whether, not an auxiliary.
Remember
Once the question is inside, it behaves like a statement.
Quick check
- 1.Where does she live? → Do you know ___?
- 2.Is the museum free? → Could you tell me ___?