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 why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
