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 how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
