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 | |
|---|---|
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
