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 what time it is? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
