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 | |
|---|---|
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
