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 | |
|---|---|
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
