Reported Questions helps you communicate about retelling questions without direct quotation. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can report yes/no and information questions using statement word order.
- Recognise and build the form: asked + wh-clause; asked if/whether + clause.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Reported Questions for retelling questions without direct quotation. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
She asked me where I lived.
Reported questions use statement word order, not question inversion.
He asked if I was ready.
Use 'if' or 'whether' to report a yes/no question.
They asked when the train would arrive.
A reported wh-question uses statement order and often backshifts 'will' to 'would'.
asked + wh-clause; asked if/whether + clauseKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Reported questions use statement word order, not question inversion.
- Use 'if' or 'whether' to report a yes/no question.
- A reported wh-question uses statement order and often backshifts 'will' to 'would'.
- Keep the wh-word when reporting an information question.
- A reported yes/no question uses 'whether + subject + verb'.
Common mistakes
Not:She asked me where I did I live.
Use:She asked me where I lived.
Reported questions use statement word order, not question inversion.
Not:He asked that I was ready.
Use:He asked if I was ready.
Use 'if' or 'whether' to report a yes/no question.
Not:They asked when the train would the train arrive.
Use:They asked when the train would arrive.
A reported wh-question uses statement order and often backshifts 'will' to 'would'.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
Mia asked me ____ I had called her.
why
Keep the wh-word when reporting an information question.
The officer asked whether we ____ any identification.
had
A reported yes/no question uses 'whether + subject + verb'.
He asked how long I ____ waiting.
had been
Use statement order and backshift the ongoing earlier action.