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 think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
