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 | |
|---|---|
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
