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 please tell me where it is? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
