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 | |
|---|---|
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
