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 | |
|---|---|
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
