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 should make a reservation? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
