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 know where the kitchen is? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
