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 | |
|---|---|
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
