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 where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
