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 | |
|---|---|
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
