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 | |
|---|---|
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
