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 think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
