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 have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
