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? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
