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 | |
|---|---|
| How much do you think there is? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
