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Indirect question Exercises

( Free Online English Grammar Lessons )

Read time : 1 minute

Form : ( Indirect question phrase + question word / if / whether + subject + verb )

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:

  • Could you tell me...?
  • Do you know...?
  • Have you any idea...?
  • Can you tell me...?


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 explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please?Можешь объяснить, пожалуйста, почему мы должны платить на 30 фунтов больше в неделю?
How long do you think it will take?Сколько думаешь она займёт?
How much do you think there is?Сколько его, как ты думаешь?
Do you think we should pay for it?Ты думаешь, мы должны за это заплатить?
Do you think we should see the next house?Думаешь, нам стоит осмотреть следующий дом?
Do you know how old this station is?Не знаешь, как давно оно построено?
Do you know what time it is?Ты знаешь, который час?
Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now?У тебя есть план, что ты будешь теперь делать?
Do you think she is good?Ты думаешь, она хороша?
Do you know if he has got a girlfriend?Ты знаешь, есть ли у него девушка?
Can you please tell me where it is?Пожалуйста, можешь сказать, где оно?
When do you think you will be leaving?В какое время ты думаешь будешь выезжать?
It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be?Сейчас семь тридцать! Кто, как ты думаешь, это может быть?
Do you know what colour the packet is?Ты знаешь, какого цвета должен быть пакет?
Where do you think we can get a house?Где, как ты думаешь, мы могли бы арендовать дом?
Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry?Ты не считаешь, что слишком уж разозлился?
Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho?Ты знаешь, как девочки будут добираться до Сохо?
How much do you think renting a house would cost?Как думаешь, во сколько может обойтись аренда дома?
How many people do you think you are going to cook for?На сколько человек ты рассчитываешь приготовить?
Can you tell me where you are taking me first?Можешь сказать мне сначала, куда ты меня поведешь?

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Be going to
Be going to passive
Be used to / Get used to
Comparative
Defining relative clause
Echo tag
Expression
First conditional
Future
Future continuous
Future perfect continuous
Future perfect passive
Future perfect simple
Future simple passive
Greeting
Have/Get something done
Imperative
Implied conditional
Indirect question
Infinitive of purpose
Interjection
Mixed conditional
Modal
Modal passive
Non-defining relative clause
Other
Past continuous
Past continuous passive
Past perfect continuous
Past perfect passive
Past perfect simple
Past simple
Past simple passive
Polite request / offer / suggestion
Present continuous
Present continuous passive
Present perfect continuous
Present perfect passive
Present perfect simple
Present simple
Present simple passive
Question tag
Reduced relative clause
Reported speech imperative
Reported speech question
Reported speech request
Reported speech statement
Second conditional
Short answer
Superlative
Third conditional
Used to / would (past habit)
Was/were going to
Was/were supposed to
Wish
Would rather
Zero conditional