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 know how old this station is? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
