Word order in an indirect question is the same as in a statement. An indirect general question is introduced by the conjunction if or whether.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech
I said to her, “Have you lived here long?” I asked her if she had lived there long.

She asked if she knew him. (Bennett)

An indirect special question is introduced by the same adverb or pronoun that introduces a direct question.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech
I said to her, “Where do you live?” I asked her where she lived.

I asked her where she was going and where her friends were. (Ch. Bronte)

 If a direct question to the subject contains the link verb to be, the direct order of words is not always strictly observed.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech
He asked, “Who is that man?” He asked who the man was / who was the man.

The direct question What is the matter? can be converted in two ways:

He asked what was the matter.

He asked what the matter was.

Indirect questions are generally introduced by the verb to ask. In more official style the verb to inquire is used.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech
She called at the office and said, “When does the secretary usually come?” She called at the office and inquired when the secretary usually came.

If the person addressed is mentioned, the verb to inquire is used with the preposition of. This occurs in a bookish style only.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech
She said to him, “Where does Mrs. Brown live?” She inquired of him where Mrs. Brown lived.

In rendering answers, the verbs to answer and to reply are generally used. Occasionally, answers are rendered in the following way:

His reply (answer) was that.., He said in reply…

This is not colloquial.