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 | |
|---|---|
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
