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 pay for it? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
