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 | |
|---|---|
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
