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 should pay for it? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
