What are Reported Yes/No Questions?
Reported yes/no questions are used to tell someone about a question that was asked earlier. Instead of repeating the exact question, we change it into a statement using 'if' or 'whether'.
Basic Structure
To form a reported yes/no question:
1. Start with the reporting verb (usually 'ask', 'want to know', etc.)
2. Add 'if' or 'whether'
3. Change the word order to statement form
4. Adjust the tense if necessary
1. Start with the reporting verb (usually 'ask', 'want to know', etc.)
2. Add 'if' or 'whether'
3. Change the word order to statement form
4. Adjust the tense if necessary
Using If vs Whether
Both 'if' and 'whether' can be used to report yes/no questions. They are generally interchangeable in this context, though 'whether' is considered slightly more formal.
Examples
Direct: 'Are you coming to the party?' → Reported: She asked if I was coming to the party.The yes/no question is converted to a statement after 'asked if'
Direct: 'Do you like coffee?' → Reported: He wanted to know whether I liked coffee.Shows how the auxiliary verb 'do' is removed in the reported version
Direct: 'Can you swim?' → Reported: They asked if I could swim.Demonstrates the tense change from 'can' to 'could'
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: He asked if do I like chocolate.
✅ Correct: He asked if I liked chocolate.
Explanation: In reported speech, we use statement word order, not question word order
❌ Incorrect: She asked that if I was ready.
✅ Correct: She asked if I was ready.
Explanation: Don't use 'that' before 'if' in reported yes/no questions
Tips for Success
- Always use statement word order after 'if' or 'whether'
- Remember to change the tense if reporting something from the past
- Both 'if' and 'whether' are correct – choose based on what sounds more natural
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Basic reported speech structure
- Use of if/whether
- Statement word order
- Simple tense changes