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 it? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
