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 what time it is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
