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, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
