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 long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
