English for R&Dcourse

English for R&Dcourse

Grammar

1
Theory · read before you start
Indirect Questions
We often need to ask or report a question politely, without repeating its direct form.
RULE
Wh- questions: question word + subject + verb (no do/does/did)
Yes/No questions: if or whether + subject + verb
The verb tense often shifts back one step (e.g. is → was, did say → had said) when the reporting verb itself is in the past.
EXAMPLES
  • Direct: 'Who uses English, and why is it such a widely spoken language?' → The chapter asks who uses English and why it is such a widely spoken language.
  • Direct: 'Will this situation continue?' → The writer wonders whether this situation will continue.
  • Direct: 'What did you say?' → He asked what she had said.
  • Direct: 'Is English an official language in Kenya?' → She asked whether English was an official language in Kenya.
2
Quiz · choose one option per question
Which sentence is correctly formed?
1.A thought about why English spreads so fast:
2.Reporting a question about the time:
3.Politely asking for directions:
4.Reporting whether someone spoke English:
5.Explaining why someone left early:
6.Explaining why an event was cancelled:
3
Correct the mistakes · type the correct word in the box
The highlighted word contains a mistake. Write the correct form.
1.
I wonder why does English spread so fast.
↳
2.
She asked what was his name.
↳
3.
Could you tell me where does he live?
↳
4.
Nobody told me why did the meeting start late.
↳
5.
I can't remember where did I put my keys.
↳
6.
Nobody knows why is English so popular.
↳
4
Gap fill · type your answer in each gap
Complete each indirect question, using the direct question given.
1.Direct:'Why is English used in so many countries?' → I'd like to know
2.Direct:'Is English an official language in Kenya?' → She asked
3.Direct:'What did she say?' → He asked
4.Direct:'How many people speak English as a second language?' → The chapter explains
5.Direct:'Will English remain the most important language?' → Nobody knows
6.Direct:'Why do businesses choose English?' → Can you explain
5
Sentence transform · type your rewritten sentence
Rewrite each direct question as an indirect question, using the words given.
1."Who uses English, and why is it such a widely spoken language?"The chapter asks...
2."Will this situation continue?"The writer wonders...
3."Sorry, what was that?"She asked...
4."What did she say?"He asked...
5."Why is English used so widely in business?"I'd like to know...
6."Is English an official language in Kenya?"She asked...