English (UK)
In English, in more formal situations, we often use indirect questions because they sound more polite.
To make a question more polite we often begin with an indirect question phrase such as:
Example questions :
DIRECT QUESTION : Where is the post office?
INDIRECT QUESTION : Do you know where the post office is?
DIRECT QUESTION : What's the time?
INDIRECT QUESTION : Could you tell me what the time is?
DIRECT QUESTION : Does this train go to Brighton?
INDIRECT QUESTION : Can you tell me if this train goes to Brighton?
DIRECT QUESTION : Is there a bank nearby?
INDIRECT QUESTION : Have you any idea whether there is a bank nearby?
Note for use of indirect questions :
If the direct question begins with an auxiliary verb ( no question word), add 'if' or 'whether' after an indirect question phrase to make the question indirect.
We don't use 'if' or whether with Do you think...?
eg. Do you think he's gone to London? NOT Do you think if he's gone to London?
| Indirect question example sentences | |
|---|---|
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
