Direct and Indirect Questions Examples

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Direct questions are the type of questions that we ask directly and require a direct answer. They usually start with a question word or an auxiliary verb.
Indirect questions are less common in everyday English. They are used as a more polite way of asking for something. They typically start with an introductory phrase and lack a question mark, as they're technically not questions.
Here are the examples:
Direct: What is your favorite book? - This question directly asks for the person's favorite book.Indirect: Could you tell me what your favorite book is?
Direct: Do you play football? - This question is directly asking if the person plays football.Indirect: I was wondering if you play football.
Direct: Where did you buy that coat? - This question is directly asking about the purchase location of the coat.Indirect: Could you let me know where you bought that coat?
Direct: Have you visited Japan before? - This question is directly asking about a past event, specifically if the person has visited Japan.Indirect: I'm interested to know if you've visited Japan before.
Direct: What time does the store close? - This question is directly asking about the closing time of the store.Indirect: Do you know what time the store closes?
Direct: Did you meet the new neighbor? - This question is directly asking if the person met the new neighbor.Indirect: Could you tell me if you've met the new neighbor?
Direct: Who taught you how to drive? - This question is directly asking who the person's driving instructor was.Indirect: I'd like to know who taught you how to drive.
Direct: How old is your dog? - This question is directly asking for the age of the person's dog.Indirect: Could you tell me how old your dog is?
Direct: Is your sister a doctor? - This question is directly asking if the person's sister is a doctor.Indirect: I was wondering if your sister is a doctor.
Direct: Can you speak French? - This direct question is asking about the person's ability to speak French.Indirect: I was wondering if you can speak French.
Direct: When is your birthday? - This direct question asks when the person's birthday occurs.Indirect: Could you tell me when your birthday is?
Direct: Where are you from? - This direct question is inquiring about the person's origin or hometown.Indirect: I'd be interested to know where you're from.
Direct: Why are you late? - This direct question is asking the reason for the person's tardiness.Indirect: Can you explain why you're late?
Direct: What are you doing this weekend? - This direct question asks about the person's plans for the upcoming weekend.Indirect: Do you mind sharing what you're doing this weekend?
Direct: How often do you exercise? - This direct question asks about the frequency of the person's exercise routine.Indirect: Could you let me know how often you exercise?
Direct: Who is your best friend? - This direct question asks about the person's closest friend.Indirect: I'd like to know who your best friend is.
Direct: Did you enjoy the movie? - This direct question is asking about the person's enjoyment of the movie.Indirect: I was wondering if you enjoyed the movie.
Direct: Where is the nearest bank? - This direct question asks about the location of the nearest bank.Indirect: Could you tell me where the nearest bank is?
Direct: Are you going to the party tonight? - This direct question asks about the person's plans to attend a party.Indirect: I was curious if you're going to the party tonight.
Note: In indirect speech, tenses often shift back (e.g., "does" to "did", "is" to "was") as the speech is typically reported at a later time than when it was initially said. However, this shift is not necessary if the information is still true or relevant at the time of reporting.