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 why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
