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? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
