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 think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| 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 what you are planning then? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
