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 should buy it? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
