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? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
