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 I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
