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 really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
