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 | |
|---|---|
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
