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 it will help us get a table? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
