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 long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
