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 why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
