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 how much the tickets are? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
