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 they are doing fine? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
