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? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
