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 think we should make a reservation? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
