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 much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
