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 see the next house? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
