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 | |
|---|---|
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
