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 | |
|---|---|
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
