Fill in the blanks with an appropriate phrase. This grammar exercise tests your ability to report questions.
1. I asked who ....................
In reported questions the subject goes before the auxiliary verb.
2. She wondered why ...................... a coat.
In reported questions the subject goes before the auxiliary verb. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the verb in the reported speech will also be in the past tense.
3. We need to decide where ................ to sleep.
When the reporting verb is in the present tense, the verb in the reported speech is more likely to be in the present or future tense.
4. Grandma told me when ........................... arriving but I have forgotten.
In reported questions the subject goes before the auxiliary verb. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the verb in the reported speech will also be in the past tense.
5. He explained what ...................
In reported questions the subject goes before the auxiliary verb. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the verb in the reported speech will also be in the past tense.
6. You haven’t said why ................... to come.
In indirect questions, the auxiliary verb goes after the subject. When the reporting verb is in the present tense, the verb in the reported speech is also likely to be in the present tense.
7. Tell me when ..................... on holiday.
In reported questions the subject goes before the auxiliary verb. If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the verb in the reported speech will also be in the past tense.
8. The traveller asked me if I knew where ..................
8. The traveller asked me if I knew where ..................
9. We need to know whether ....................... interested in the proposal.
When the reporting verb is in the present tense, the verb in the reported speech will most probably be in the present tense.
10. Nobody told me why .................... to give up my rights.
The auxiliary do is not used in indirect questions.
11. I just want to know when .....................
12. She wondered who ..................... the door open.
Answers
1. I asked who she was.
2. She wondered why I wasn’t wearing a coat.
3. We need to decide where she is going to sleep.
4. Grandma told me when she was arriving but I have forgotten.
5. He explained what his problem was.
6. You haven’t said why you don’t want to come.
7. Tell me when you are going on holiday.
8. The traveller asked me if I knew where the inn was.
9. We need to know whether they are interested in the proposal.
10. Nobody told me why I had to give up my rights.
11. I just want to know when you are leaving.
12. She wondered who had left the door open.
