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 think it will help us get a table? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
