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 many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
