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? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
