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 | |
|---|---|
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
