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 | |
|---|---|
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
