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 think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
