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 | |
|---|---|
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
