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 think it's a good idea? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
