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 they are doing fine? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
