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 please tell me where it is? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
