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 | |
|---|---|
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
