Indirect Requests

INDIRECT REQUESTS

Indirect requests happen when a person asks another person to tell, order or ask something to a

third person.

Indirect requests are used when you want to:

• Tell someone to do something• Tell someone some information• Ask someone to do something

• Ask someone for some information (Yes or No)• Ask someone for some information (Open ended)

1. Can/Could you (please) tell/ask + Tom + (that) + original statementExample: " Can you please tell Tom I'll be waiting for him at the movies?"

( You can also use "would" in indirect requests)

2. Indirect requests and imperatives:Can/Could you tell/ask + Tom + (not) + infinitive

Example: "Can you tell Tom not to use my laptop?""Could you ask Tom to bring me my laptop?“

3. Indirect requests and yes/no questions:Can/Could you ask + Tom + if/whether + SVO statement?

Example "Could you ask Tom if /whether ir not he's coming to the party?“

4. Indirect requests and Wh-questions:Can/Could you ask + Tom + wh-word + SVO statement?Example:"Can you ask Tom what is his new password?"