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 | |
|---|---|
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
