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 much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| 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 have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
