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 | |
|---|---|
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
