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 will be leaving? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
