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 | |
|---|---|
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| 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 we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
