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 | |
|---|---|
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
