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 | |
|---|---|
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
