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 you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
