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 | |
|---|---|
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
