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? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
