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 what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
