Indirect Questions Practice Test — Advanced

All 45 questions with answers

Pick an answer for each question to see if you are right, with the explanation. Submit when you are done; you can submit before answering them all.

1. Q1___ the project failed is still a matter of intense debate.

   AWhy was BWhy did CWhy has DWhy

   Answer: D. Why

   The sentence begins with a nominal clause (a clause acting as a noun) serving as the subject of the main verb 'is'. In such embedded interrogatives, the clause must follow Subject-Verb (S-V) order. 'Why did' and 'Why has' are incorrect because they employ subject-auxiliary inversion, which is only used in direct questions. 'Why was' similarly uses inversion and would lead to an incomplete passive construction. Only 'Why' allows the subject ('the project') to precede the verb ('failed'), satisfying the rules for clausal subjects.

2. Q2The committee is investigating ___ the budget was allocated so inefficiently.

   Ahow was Bwhy did Chow did Dhow

   Answer: D. how

   This is an embedded interrogative functioning as the direct object of the verb 'investigating'. Unlike independent direct questions, subordinate interrogative clauses require canonical Subject-Verb word order. The distractors 'how was', 'why did', and 'how did' all incorrectly use subject-auxiliary inversion. In advanced English, maintaining declarative word order in these nominal clauses is essential for grammatical accuracy.

3. Q3I am not sure ___ he will be able to attend the conference.

   Athat will Bif will Cwhether will Dwhether

   Answer: D. whether

   In formal contexts, 'whether' is the preferred subordinator for indirect polar (yes/no) questions, especially following expressions of doubt or uncertainty like 'not sure.' 'Whether will' and 'if will' are ungrammatical because they attempt subject-auxiliary inversion within a subordinate clause. 'That' is inappropriate here because it introduces a declarative statement of fact, which contradicts the doubt expressed in the main clause.

4. Q4The professor asked the students ___ they had completed the reading assignment.

   Aif had Bthat Cif Dwhether had

   Answer: C. if

   When reporting a polar question, the subordinator ('if' or 'whether') must be followed by the subject and then the verb phrase. 'Whether had' and 'if had' are incorrect because they retain the inverted word order of a direct question ('Had they completed...?'). 'That' is used for reported statements rather than questions. 'If' correctly introduces the nominal clause with the required Subject-Verb sequence.

5. Q5The outcome depends entirely on ___ the new policy is implemented.

   Ahow Bwhen is Cwhy is Dhow is

   Answer: A. how

   This indirect question serves as the complement of the preposition 'on'. Standard English syntax for embedded questions requires the 'wh-' word to be followed immediately by the subject ('the new policy') and then the verb ('is implemented'). Options such as 'why is', 'when is', and 'how is' are incorrect because they use subject-auxiliary inversion, a structure reserved for direct questions.

6. Q6The main problem is ___ the data is accurate enough for publication.

   Aif is Bis if Cwhether is Dwhether

   Answer: D. whether

   The embedded question here acts as a subject complement following the linking verb 'is'. 'Whether' is the formal choice for expressing an alternative or uncertainty. The options 'whether is' and 'if is' are incorrect because they place the verb before the subject ('the data'). 'Is if' is syntactically garbled. Subordinate clauses must follow Subject-Verb order.

7. Q7We need to clarify ___ the system could have failed during the update.

   Awhere could Bwhy could Chow Dhow could

   Answer: C. how

   In this nominal clause acting as the object of 'clarify,' the 'wh-' adjunct must be followed by the subject ('the system') before the modal auxiliary ('could'). The distractors 'why could', 'where could', and 'how could' are incorrect because they use subject-auxiliary inversion. In indirect speech and embedded questions, the clause adopts the word order of a declarative statement.

8. Q8The report details ___ the primary objectives have been met by the team.

   Awhen have Bwhy have Chow Dhow have

   Answer: C. how

   The clause functions as the direct object of 'details.' Indirect questions require Subject-Verb word order. 'When have', 'how have', and 'why have' all demonstrate incorrect subject-auxiliary inversion. The auxiliary 'have' must follow the subject 'the primary objectives' in a subordinate environment. 'How' correctly introduces the clause followed by the subject.

9. Q9Scholars are questioning ___ the theory holds weight in modern applications.

   Athat does Bif does Cwhether does Dwhether

   Answer: D. whether

   'Whether' is the standard word to introduce a formal indirect yes/no question. In these clauses, the helping verb 'do/does' used in direct questions ('Does the theory hold...?') must be removed, and the main verb must take the appropriate tense and person marker. 'If does' and 'whether does' are incorrect because they retain the 'do' helping verb and the inverted order of a direct question.

10. Q10He asked ___ the meeting had been scheduled for Tuesday.

    Awhen Bwhere had Cwhy had Dwhen had

    Answer: A. when

    Reported questions must follow Subject-Verb (S-V) order. 'Where had', 'when had', and 'why had' all incorrectly apply subject-auxiliary inversion. By choosing 'when', the speaker correctly introduces the temporal adverb followed by the subject ('the meeting') and the verb phrase ('had been scheduled'). This adheres to the declarative syntax required for all nominal clauses.

11. Q11The document outlines ___ the transition will be managed by the department.

    Awhen will Bhow will Chow Dwhy will

    Answer: C. how

    Embedded interrogative clauses governed by verbs like 'outlines' require the 'wh-' word to be followed by the subject. The distractors 'how will', 'why will', and 'when will' fail because they use the inversion characteristic of direct questions. In advanced formal writing, maintaining Subject-Verb order in nominal clauses is a key indicator of grammatical proficiency.

12. Q12The scientists investigated ___ the reaction occurred so rapidly.

    Awhere did Bhow did Cwhy did Dwhy

    Answer: D. why

    In an indirect question, the use of the helping verb 'did' is ungrammatical. A direct question like 'Why did the reaction occur?' must be transformed into a subordinate clause with Subject-Verb order: 'why' + subject + past tense verb ('occurred'). 'How did', 'where did', and 'why did' are incorrect because they fail to remove the helping verb and the inversion.

13. Q13It remains to be seen ___ the candidate will accept the offer.

    Athat will Bwhether will Cif will Dwhether

    Answer: D. whether

    This clause is the logical subject of the sentence, moved to the end in an 'extraposed' construction (starting with 'it'). As an indirect polar question, it requires the subordinator 'whether' followed by Subject-Verb order. 'Whether will', 'that will', and 'if will' are incorrect; they either use the wrong subordinator ('that' is for facts, not uncertainties) or erroneously retain subject-auxiliary inversion.

14. Q14The manager inquired ___ the staff had completed the mandatory training.

    Aif had Bthat had Cwhether had Dif

    Answer: D. if

    Reporting a yes/no question using 'inquire' requires 'if' or 'whether.' Crucially, the subordinate clause must avoid inversion. 'That had', 'whether had', and 'if had' are incorrect because they either use the wrong subordinator or retain the inverted verb-subject order ('had the staff') of a direct question.

15. Q15The researchers are debating ___ the results are statistically significant.

    Athat are Bwhether Cwhether are Dif are

    Answer: B. whether

    When an indirect question follows a verb of discussion like 'debating', 'whether' is the standard choice. The clause acts as the object of the verb and must follow declarative Subject-Verb word order. The options 'if are', 'that are', and 'whether are' all incorrectly attempt to place the verb 'are' before the subject 'the results'.

16. Q16Direct Speech: "What a wonderful surprise this is!" -> He exclaimed ___.

    Awhat a wonderful surprise it was Bhow was a wonderful surprise it Cwhat a wonderful surprise was it Dhow a wonderful surprise it was

    Answer: A. what a wonderful surprise it was

    Indirect exclamatives follow Subject-Verb word order and usually undergo a tense backshift (the direct 'is' becomes 'was'). 'What' functions as a pre-determiner for the noun phrase. 'What a wonderful surprise was it' is incorrect because it uses interrogative inversion. 'How a wonderful surprise it was' is ungrammatical because 'how' modifies adjectives or adverbs, not noun phrases.

17. Q17Direct Speech: "How quickly the deadline is approaching!" -> She noted ___.

    Ahow quickly the deadline is approaching Bwhat quickly is the deadline approaching Cwhat quickly the deadline is approaching Dhow quickly is the deadline approaching

    Answer: A. how quickly the deadline is approaching

    Indirect exclamatives using 'how' + adverb must retain Subject-Verb word order. 'How quickly is the deadline approaching' is incorrect because it uses the inversion found in direct questions. 'What quickly' is ungrammatical because 'what' cannot modify an adverb directly. The correct structure is 'how' + adverb + subject + verb.

18. Q18Direct Speech: "What a challenging journey they endured!" -> They remarked ___.

    Ahow a challenging journey they endured Bwhat a challenging journey did they endure Cwhat a challenging journey they endured Dhow a challenging journey did they endure

    Answer: C. what a challenging journey they endured

    An indirect exclamative maintains the order 'what' + noun phrase + subject + verb. The distractors using 'did they endure' are incorrect because they introduce the auxiliary 'did' and inversion, which are for questions, not reported exclamations. 'How a challenging journey' is ungrammatical because 'how' cannot modify a noun phrase.

19. Q19Direct Speech: "How impressive the performance was!" -> The critic highlighted ___.

    Awhat impressive was the performance Bhow impressive was the performance Cwhat impressive the performance was Dhow impressive the performance was

    Answer: D. how impressive the performance was

    This is an indirect exclamative. The structure 'how' + adjective requires the subject ('the performance') to precede the verb ('was'). 'How impressive was the performance' and 'what impressive was the performance' are incorrect due to inversion. 'What impressive' is ungrammatical because 'what' modifies noun phrases, whereas 'how' modifies adjectives.

20. Q20Direct Speech: "What an interesting book I am reading!" -> He mentioned ___.

    Ahow an interesting book was he reading Bwhat an interesting book he was reading Chow an interesting book he was reading Dwhat an interesting book was he reading

    Answer: B. what an interesting book he was reading

    Reporting an exclamation involves declarative word order and often a backshift (here 'am reading' becomes 'was reading'). 'What an interesting book was he reading' fails due to subject-auxiliary inversion. 'How an interesting book' is syntactically invalid because 'how' does not modify noun phrases. The correct form follows the 'what' + noun phrase + S + V pattern.

21. Q21Direct Speech: "How beautifully the choir sang!" -> She commented ___.

    Awhat beautifully the choir sang Bhow beautifully the choir sang Chow beautifully did the choir sing Dwhat beautifully did the choir sing

    Answer: B. how beautifully the choir sang

    In indirect exclamatives, 'how' modifies an adverb ('beautifully') followed by the subject and verb. The options 'how beautifully did the choir sing' and 'what beautifully did the choir sing' are incorrect because 'did' introduces interrogative inversion. 'What beautifully' is ungrammatical as 'what' does not modify adverbs.

22. Q22Direct Speech: "What a difficult situation it has become!" -> They observed ___.

    Ahow a difficult situation has it become Bwhat a difficult situation it has become Cwhat a difficult situation has it become Dhow a difficult situation it has become

    Answer: B. what a difficult situation it has become

    This reported exclamation uses 'what' + noun phrase and requires Subject-Verb order. 'How a difficult situation' is ungrammatical because 'how' modifies adjectives directly, not noun phrases preceded by an article. 'What a difficult situation has it become' is incorrect due to the inverted verb-subject order.

23. Q23Direct Speech: "How tiresome the commute is!" -> He declared ___.

    Awhat tiresome the commute is Bhow tiresome the commute is Chow tiresome is the commute Dwhat tiresome is the commute

    Answer: B. how tiresome the commute is

    An indirect exclamative following 'how' + adjective must use statement word order (Subject + Verb). 'How tiresome is the commute' is incorrect because of the inversion. 'What tiresome' is ungrammatical as 'what' cannot modify an adjective in isolation. Thus, 'how tiresome the commute is' is the only correct choice.

24. Q24Direct Speech: "What a pleasant evening we are having!" -> She noted ___.

    Awhat a pleasant evening they were having Bhow a pleasant evening were they having Cwhat a pleasant evening were they having Dhow a pleasant evening they were having

    Answer: A. what a pleasant evening they were having

    Converting this to indirect speech requires tense backshift ('are' to 'were') and maintaining the 'what' + noun phrase + S + V order. Distractors with 'how a pleasant evening' are ungrammatical because 'how' cannot modify a noun phrase, and 'were they having' incorrectly applies inversion.

25. Q25Direct Speech: "How efficiently the team works!" -> They remarked ___.

    Awhat efficiently does the team work Bhow efficiently does the team work Cwhat efficiently the team works Dhow efficiently the team works

    Answer: D. how efficiently the team works

    In this indirect exclamative, 'how' modifies the adverb 'efficiently.' The clause must follow Subject-Verb word order. 'How efficiently does the team work' incorrectly introduces the dummy auxiliary 'does' and inversion. 'What efficiently' is ungrammatical because 'what' modifies nouns, not adverbs.

26. Q26Direct Speech: "What a strange phenomenon it is!" -> He observed ___.

    Awhat a strange phenomenon it is Bwhat a strange phenomenon is it Chow a strange phenomenon is it Dhow a strange phenomenon it is

    Answer: A. what a strange phenomenon it is

    Indirect exclamatives introduced by 'what' are followed by a noun phrase and the Subject-Verb sequence. 'What a strange phenomenon is it' is incorrect due to inversion. 'How a strange phenomenon' is ungrammatical because 'how' cannot modify noun phrases directly. The correct structure keeps the S-V order: 'it is'.

27. Q27Direct Speech: "How carefully the instructions were written!" -> She commented ___.

    Ahow carefully the instructions were written Bwhat carefully were the instructions written Cwhat carefully the instructions were written Dhow carefully were the instructions written

    Answer: A. how carefully the instructions were written

    The reported exclamative follows 'how' + adverb + subject + verb. Both 'what carefully were the instructions written' and 'how carefully were the instructions written' are incorrect due to subject-verb inversion. 'What carefully' is ungrammatical because 'what' modifies noun phrases, not adverbs.

28. Q28Direct Speech: "What a remarkable improvement the student showed!" -> They noted ___.

    Awhat a remarkable improvement showed the student Bwhat a remarkable improvement the student showed Chow a remarkable improvement the student showed Dhow a remarkable improvement showed the student

    Answer: B. what a remarkable improvement the student showed

    This exclamation is reported using 'what' + noun phrase followed by the Subject-Verb sequence. 'What a remarkable improvement showed the student' fails because it reverses the subject and verb. 'How a remarkable improvement' is syntactically incorrect because 'how' cannot modify a noun phrase.

29. Q29Direct Speech: "How clearly the message was conveyed!" -> He mentioned ___.

    Awhat clearly the message was conveyed Bhow clearly was the message conveyed Cwhat clearly was the message conveyed Dhow clearly the message was conveyed

    Answer: D. how clearly the message was conveyed

    The structure of an indirect exclamative requires 'how' + adverb followed by Subject-Verb order. 'How clearly was the message conveyed' is incorrect because it uses the inversion found in direct questions. 'What clearly' is ungrammatical because 'what' only modifies noun phrases.

30. Q30Direct Speech: "What a lovely garden they have cultivated!" -> She exclaimed ___.

    Awhat a lovely garden have they cultivated Bhow a lovely garden they have cultivated Cwhat a lovely garden they have cultivated Dhow a lovely garden have they cultivated

    Answer: C. what a lovely garden they have cultivated

    This indirect exclamative uses 'what' + noun phrase and must follow declarative word order ('they have cultivated'). 'How a lovely garden' is ungrammatical as 'how' modifies adjectives/adverbs, not noun phrases. Options with 'have they cultivated' are incorrect because they use inversion.

31. Q31Which sentence is a polite indirect request?

    AWhy don't you close the window? BCould you close the window? CI was wondering if you could close the window. DClose the window, please.

    Answer: C. I was wondering if you could close the window.

    This sentence uses the past continuous 'was wondering' and the modal 'could' to create distance, a common strategy for politeness. It is a request for action disguised as a statement of the speaker's thoughts to reduce the pressure on the listener. 'Close the window' is a direct command, and 'Could you...?' is a direct (though polite) question.

32. Q32Which sentence functions as a genuine information-seeking question?

    AI would be grateful if you could send the report. BI was wondering if you could help me. CCould you tell me what time it is? DWould you mind closing the door?

    Answer: C. Could you tell me what time it is?

    This is a conventionalized indirect question. While it is phrased as a request ('Could you...?'), its primary purpose is to obtain information (specifically the time). The other options are requests designed to ask for a physical favor or service (helping, closing a door, sending a report).

33. Q33Which sentence is a polite indirect request?

    AHe asked why you were late. BDo you think you could help me with these bags? CI am curious to know what you think. DHe knows who is responsible for this project.

    Answer: B. Do you think you could help me with these bags?

    This sentence is an indirect request that uses a 'hedge' ('Do you think...') to soften the directive. This reduces the speaker's perceived authority, making the request more polite. The other options are either reported speech ('He asked...'), a statement of personal interest ('I am curious...'), or a statement of fact ('He knows...'), none of which function as requests for action.

34. Q34Which sentence functions as a polite indirect request?

    AWould you mind telling me where the exit is? BShe explained why that happened. CHe told me who is responsible. DI wonder what time the meeting starts.

    Answer: A. Would you mind telling me where the exit is?

    The formulaic 'Would you mind + gerund' is a standard indirect request. It functions as a 'directive' by asking about the listener's willingness to perform an action (providing information). While 'I wonder what time...' also seeks information, 'Would you mind...' is specifically framed as a polite request to the listener.

35. Q35Which sentence functions as a genuine information-seeking question?

    AI was wondering if you could help me. BI’d like to know if you have seen my keys. CCould you possibly carry these bags for me? DI would be grateful if you could call me.

    Answer: B. I’d like to know if you have seen my keys.

    This is an indirect question where the main clause 'I’d like to know' signals a lack of information. Its primary purpose is to retrieve factual data (the location of the keys). Conversely, 'I would be grateful if...', 'I was wondering if...', and 'Could you possibly...' are all requests used to ask for physical assistance or favors.

36. Q36Which sentence functions as a polite indirect request?

    ADo you know who is responsible? BThe teacher asked why you were late. CI wonder what the result is. DIs it possible for you to finish this by five?

    Answer: D. Is it possible for you to finish this by five?

    This sentence uses a modal of possibility ('Is it possible') to frame a directive as an inquiry into the listener's capacity, which is a common politeness strategy. 'Do you know who...' is an information-seeking question, and 'I wonder what the result is' expresses internal curiosity without requesting an external action.

37. Q37Which sentence functions as a polite indirect request?

    AThe IT guy asked why the system crashed. BCould you possibly explain this concept to me again? CI noticed who is responsible for this. DI am curious to know what you think.

    Answer: B. Could you possibly explain this concept to me again?

    The adverb 'possibly' acts as a pragmatic hedge, making the request ('Could you...') less assertive and more deferential. The other options involve a reported question, an observation, or a general expression of interest, none of which carry the same directive force (asking someone to do something).

38. Q38Which sentence functions as a polite indirect request?

    AHe said that the system crashed. BI am curious to know what you think. CI know who is responsible for this. DI was wondering whether you might consider my proposal.

    Answer: D. I was wondering whether you might consider my proposal.

    This structure uses multiple politeness markers: the past continuous 'was wondering,' the formal 'whether,' and the modal 'might.' These create distance, making the request less imposing. The other options are declarative sentences that convey information or curiosity but do not function as requests for action.

39. Q39Which sentence functions as a genuine information-seeking question?

    ADo you know who is responsible for this project? BI wonder if you could provide a reference. CI was wondering if you could help me. DI would be grateful if you could let me know.

    Answer: A. Do you know who is responsible for this project?

    This is an indirect question where the speaker's functional goal is to identify a person. While it technically asks about the listener's knowledge, its purpose is to obtain information. The other options are clearly requests for services or favors (providing a reference, helping, etc.).

40. Q40Which sentence functions as a polite indirect request?

    AThe boss asked why the system crashed. BHe told me who is responsible for this. CI am curious to know what you think. DI would be grateful if you could let me know the result.

    Answer: D. I would be grateful if you could let me know the result.

    The conditional 'I would be grateful if' is a formal way to perform a request. It focuses on the speaker's future gratitude rather than the listener's obligation, which is a high-level politeness strategy. The other options report past events or express curiosity without requesting an action.

41. Q41Which sentence functions as a genuine information-seeking question?

    ACould you tell me why you were late? BWould you mind if I sat here? CI would be grateful if you could call me. DI was wondering if you could help me.

    Answer: A. Could you tell me why you were late?

    Although phrased as a question about ability ('Could you tell me...'), this is a conventionalized indirect question used to solicit an explanation. Its goal is information retrieval. 'Would you mind if I sat here?' is a request for permission, while 'I would be grateful if...' and 'I was wondering if...' are requests for assistance.

42. Q42Which sentence functions as a polite indirect request?

    AWould you mind if I sat here? BShe asked why you were late. CI wonder what time the meeting is. DDo you know who is responsible?

    Answer: A. Would you mind if I sat here?

    'Would you mind if + clause' is a standard construction for requesting permission. It is pragmatically distinct from searching for information or reporting an inquiry. By asking if the action would cause the listener to 'mind' (be annoyed), the speaker uses a face-saving strategy to minimize the imposition.

43. Q43Which sentence functions as a genuine information-seeking question?

    AI was wondering if you could help me. BI am curious to know what you think of the plan. CI would be grateful if you could send it. DWould you mind moving your car?

    Answer: B. I am curious to know what you think of the plan.

    This sentence uses a declarative frame ('I am curious to know') to introduce an indirect question aimed at obtaining the listener's opinion. Its goal is information retrieval. The other options are all directives (requests for a physical action or service) used with varying levels of politeness.

44. Q44Which sentence functions as a polite indirect request?

    AI wonder what the plan is. BHe knows who is responsible. CShe asked why you were late. DCould you please clarify what the requirements are?

    Answer: D. Could you please clarify what the requirements are?

    This sentence uses the modal 'could' and 'please' to frame a request for clarification. It is a directive aimed at getting the listener to perform an action. While it seeks information, its primary functional role in social interaction is a request. The other options are simple statements of wonder, knowledge, or reported speech.

45. Q45Which sentence functions as a polite indirect request?

    AShe asked why you were late. BI am curious to know what you think. CI wonder if you could provide a reference for me. DHe knows who is responsible.

    Answer: C. I wonder if you could provide a reference for me.

    Using 'I wonder if you could...' performs a request for a favor. It softens the force of the request by framing it as a private thought rather than an outward demand. This is a common strategy for polite directives. This contrasts with 'I am curious to know,' which is purely about seeking information, or the other options which are reports or facts.