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 think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
