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 know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
