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 please tell me where it is? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
