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 | |
|---|---|
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
