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? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
