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 think we can let him go out? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
