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? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
