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 know how much the tickets are? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
