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 explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
