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 | |
|---|---|
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
