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 what colour the packet is? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
