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 we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
