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 I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
