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, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
