A direct question puts the verb or auxiliary before the subject: Where is the station? An indirect question starts with a polite opening and then uses statement order, with no do/does/did: Do you know where the station is?
Same situation, two choices. Pick an example.
Where is the station?
The verb or auxiliary jumps in front of the subject.
Do you know where the station is?
After the opening, the subject comes back before the verb.
| Rule | Direct question | Indirect question |
|---|---|---|
| Order | Auxiliary or be before the subject | Subject before the verb |
| do / does / did | Yes: Where does she live? | No: Do you know where she lives? |
| Yes/no questions | Is it open? | …if / whether it's open |
| Tone | Neutral, direct | More polite |
Excuse me, where _____?
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Only if the opening is a question: Do you know where she is? If it's a statement, use a full stop: I wonder where she is.