The Correct Usage of Indirect Questions in English

When it comes to expressing doubts or queries in English, whether through direct or indirect questions, it's crucial to maintain grammatical correctness. This article aims to clarify the differences and correct usage of indirect questions, particularly in scenarios where one might express "I don't know" followed by a question. Understanding these distinctions not only enhances speaking and writing skills but also aids in effective communication.

Direct vs. Indirect Questions

Firstly, it's essential to distinguish between direct and indirect questions. A direct question is one that immediately solicits a response with a question mark, such as: "What does that mean?" In contrast, an indirect question is embedded within a sentence without a question mark, typically introduced by phrases like "I wonder," "I don't know," or simply as part of a statement.

Indirect Questions with "I don't know"

The given example, "I don't know what that means," falls into the realm of indirect questions. Here, "I don't know" functions as the main clause, and "what that means" acts as a subordinate noun clause, directly answering the verb "know" in the main clause. The structure is correct and natural for a native English speaker, and it avoids the grammatical error of "I don't know what does that mean."

Example

Consider the statement: "I don't know what that means." This is grammatically correct and comes naturally to native speakers. It addresses a situation where the speaker is uncertain about the meaning of something.

It is also acceptable to say, "I didn't get that." This phrase can be used in a past-tense statement, maintaining the sense of not understanding something that was previously communicated or presented. The use of "get" is common in informal English and conveys a similar meaning to "know." However, when maintaining grammatical accuracy, "I don't get that" is appropriate, but "I don't get this" is more commonly used in present tense.

When to Use "What Does That Mean?"

Conversely, when the speaker is directly asking about the meaning, the indirect question would be "I don't know what it does mean," which can be simplified to "I don't know what it means." However, the more natural and grammatically correct sentence is "I don't know what that means."

Indirect Question Construction

The grammatically correct construction for expressing the same idea indirectly is "I don't know" followed by a subordinate clause: "I don't know what that means." Here, the verb in the main clause is "know," and the subordinate clause "what that means" serves as the object of the verb, answering the question about what is being known.

For indirect questions, the indirect form without question mark is used. So, "I don't know" is the correct way to start the sentence, and "what that means" follows as the subordinate clause without any additional "does." This construction makes the sentence clear and grammatically correct.

Conclusion

In summary, when expressing doubt or uncertainty in a sentence, use "I don't know" followed by the subordinate clause "what that means." This structure is both grammatically correct and natural for native English speakers. Avoid using "I don't know what does that mean" to prevent grammatical errors. Understanding and applying these rules will enhance your language skills and ensure clear communication.