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 where the kitchen is? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
