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 it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
