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 she is good? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
