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 where you are taking me first? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
