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 know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
