indirect question

noun

See direct question
a question reported in indirect speech, as in She asked why you came Compare direct question

Aurora replied neither to the direct nor the indirect question.

The indirect quotation is usually introduced by that, and the indirect question by whether or if, or regular interrogatives.

Place a question mark after a direct question, but not after an indirect question.

He had even ventured to put an indirect question about it to Francis Eversleigh, but with no success.

She parried the indirect question without seeming to notice it.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse