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 | |
|---|---|
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
