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? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
