An indirect question is a type of question that is embedded within a statement rather than being asked directly. For example, instead of asking, "What time is it?" one might say, "Can you tell me what time it is?" This structure often makes the question sound more polite or formal. Indirect questions are commonly used in both spoken and written language. They typically begin with phrases like "I wonder," "Could you tell me," or "Do you know." This format allows the speaker to inquire about information without the urgency of a direct question, making conversations smoother and more courteous.