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 know what time it is? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
