Question formation

We make questions with tenses where there is an auxiliary verb and with modal verbs by inverting the subject and the auxziliary / modal verb.

With the present and past simple, we add the auxiliary verb do / does or did before the subject.

We often use negative questions to show surprise when we expect somebody t agree with us, or to check whether something is true.

If a verb is normally followed by a preposition, the preposition comes at the end of the question, not at the begining.

When who / what / which, etc., is the subject of questions in the present or past simple, we don't use do / did.

Could you tell me what time the shop next door opens?

Do you know if (whether) Mark's coming to the meeting?

We use indirect questions when we want to ask a question in a more polite way. We begin with a phrase such as:

Can you tell me...?

Could you tell me...?

Do you know...?

Do you think...?

Do you remember...?

Would you mind telling me...?

Do you have any idea...?

Compare:

What time does the post office open?

Could you tell me what time the post office opens?

In indirect questions, the order is subject + verb.

Can you tell me where it is?

NOT

Can you tell me where is it?

We don't use do / did in the second part of the question .

Do you know where he lives?

NOT

Do you know where does he live?

You can use if or whether in questions without a question word an after:

Can you tell me, Do you know, etc.

Other expressions followed by the word order of indirect questions

I wonder why they didn't come?

I'm not sure what time it starts.

I can't remember where I left my phone.

I'd like to know what time you're coming home.

Why can’t you come tomorrow?

Should I tell her how I fell?

How long have you known your best friend?

Could you tell me when the next train leaves?

What are you thinking about?

What do you like doing at the weekend?

What kind of music does Jane like listening to?

Do you know what time the film finishes?

How many students came to class yesterday?

Do you remember where the restaurant is?

Who does the housework in your family?

Where did you go on holiday last year?

How often do you usually do exercise?

Who wrote Oliver Twist?

Could you tell me how much this book costs?

I can’t remember where I parket my car this morning.

Did you enjoy your trip to Paris last weekend?

What kind of work does your sister do?

Who ate the last biscuit?

Do you know what time the swimming pool opens on Saturdays?

Why didn’t your sister like the present you gave her?

Do you have to play your music so loud? I can’t concentrate.