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 | |
|---|---|
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
