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. | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
