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 we can find it there? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
