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? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
