How to Use Direct vs. Indirect Time Questions

Asking about time may seem simple, but understanding direct and indirect time questions is key to speaking fluent English.

Use direct questions when asking for the time straightforwardly. For example:
• “What time is it?”
This structure is commonly used in casual or formal conversations.

For indirect questions, when the time question is part of a longer sentence, the word order changes. For example:
• “Do you know what time it is?”
• “Can you tell me what time it is?”

Here’s the trick: In direct questions, the verb comes before the subject (“What time is it?”). In indirect questions, the subject comes before the verb (“Do you know what time it is?”).

Practice with this question: “Can you tell me ___ time it is?” Answer: “what time it is.”

Watch the video for more tips and examples to perfect your English!