Why is the verb indicative in an indirect question?

1. What are the rules for indirect questions?
2. Why are indirect questions used?
3. What are the rules of direct and indirect questions?

What are the rules for indirect questions?

In indirect questions the order is subject + verb. There are other expressions that follow the same rule: I don't know what he is doing here. I wonder when he will find the truth.

Why are indirect questions used?

Indirect questions are a more polite way to ask for information or make requests. We often use them when asking something of strangers or people we do not know well, including coworkers. We also use them when asking for favors from friends or when we want to avoid sounding demanding.

What are the rules of direct and indirect questions?

If the direct question is a “yes or no” question (it has no question word such as what, who, when, where, why, or how), then the indirect question will have if. Direct: Does Tom like Italian food? Indirect: Do you know if Tom likes Italian food? Direct: Are your parents joining us for dinner?