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 | |
|---|---|
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
