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 | |
|---|---|
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
