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 we should buy it? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
