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 | |
|---|---|
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
