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 what time it is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
