an indirect question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indirect question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is not asked directly but is implied or embedded within a statement. Example: "I was wondering if you could tell me what time the meeting starts; that's an indirect question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Another punctuation problem: The first sentence is an indirect question, and so should end with a period, not a question mark.

The New York Times

But the Investment Climate Survey contains an indirect question that can be used to gauge the extent of underreporting and informal employment in registered firms: "Recognizing the difficulties many enterprises face in fully complying with taxes and regulations, what percentage of total sales would you estimate the typical establishment in your area of activity reports for tax purposes?".

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Here's the first step to flirting: Ask an indirect question - Ask her something about wherever you are, and keep it relevant.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We will likely need to be satisfied with answers to a more indirect question: How might life have emerged?" Finding martian life, either extant or extinct, could help by revealing information about ancient martian biochemistry.

Science Magazine

You could ask them directly, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you at work?" or you could formulate a more indirect question, like "True or False: I wake up every day feeling like my work has a purpose".

WikiHow

We needed a period, not a question mark, after the indirect question in the first sentence.

The New York Times

When asked a range of indirect questions, for instance about what they might miss after a Brexit, "it is worth noting that the answers of those undecided about how to vote in June are much closer to those of Bremainers than those of Brexiters".

The Guardian

In Hungarian it is the only way to form direct yes no questions, although in indirect questions a particle -e is used e.g., a házak fehérek?

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is more effective to pose indirect questions.

The New York Times

They also asked indirect questions, like whether the father gave the mother money for the children and, if so, how much.

The Economist

Interrogative expressions can be embedded (as wh-complements or indirect questions) into attitude contexts to form sentences that are declarative, as when someone is said to know, tell, care, or wonder who, what, whether, how, or why.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an indirect question" when you want to gather information without directly asking, often to avoid confrontation or to gauge someone's true feelings more subtly. For example, instead of asking, "Are you unhappy with your job?", you might ask, "What aspects of your work do you find most challenging?"

Common error

Avoid making "an indirect question" so vague that it becomes unclear what you're actually asking. Ensure that your question, though not direct, still has a discernible point and allows for a relevant response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indirect question" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a type of inquiry. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes a question that is not posed directly but rather implied or embedded within a statement. This contrasts with a direct question, which seeks a straightforward answer.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indirect question" is a noun phrase that describes a question not posed directly but implied or embedded within a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, though its frequency is rare. It serves the purpose of eliciting information subtly, avoiding confrontation, or gauging someone's true feelings. Usage ranges from neutral to professional, appearing in news, science, and general contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid excessive vagueness, opting for directness when straightforward answers are needed. Consider alternatives like "a subtle inquiry" or "an implicit question" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle inquiry

Emphasizes the subtlety of the question.

an implicit question

Highlights that the question is implied rather than directly stated.

a roundabout question

Focuses on the circuitous nature of the inquiry.

a veiled question

Stresses the hidden or disguised nature of the question.

an oblique inquiry

Highlights the indirect and not straightforward manner of questioning.

a suggestive question

Focuses on the question's ability to hint at something without stating it explicitly.

a tactful question

Emphasizes the consideration and sensitivity involved in framing the question.

a diplomatic question

Highlights the strategic and cautious nature of the question.

an artful inquiry

Focuses on the skillful and clever way the question is posed.

a circumlocutory question

Highlights the use of many words where fewer would do, in asking the question.

FAQs

What is "an indirect question"?

An indirect question is a question that is not asked directly but is implied or embedded within a statement. It aims to elicit information in a subtle or roundabout manner, often to avoid direct confrontation or to gauge someone's feelings without explicitly asking.

How do you identify "an indirect question" in a sentence?

An indirect question often takes the form of a statement that implies a question, or it may be embedded within a larger sentence. For example, "I wonder what time the meeting starts" is an indirect way of asking "What time does the meeting start?"

What are some alternatives to using "an indirect question"?

Alternatives to using "an indirect question" include using "a subtle inquiry", "an implicit question", or framing the question in a more general or hypothetical way.

When is it appropriate to use "an indirect question" versus a direct one?

Use "an indirect question" when you want to be tactful, avoid confrontation, or gather information discreetly. A direct question is more appropriate when you need a straightforward answer and clarity is paramount.