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 please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
