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 | |
|---|---|
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
