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 | |
|---|---|
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| 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 know what time it is? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
