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 | |
|---|---|
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
