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 | |
|---|---|
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
