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 really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
