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 tell me what you are planning then? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
