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 | |
|---|---|
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
