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 | |
|---|---|
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
