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 we can find it there? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
