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 explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
