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 | |
|---|---|
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| 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. | |
