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 | |
|---|---|
| How much do you think there is? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
