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 | |
|---|---|
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
