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 really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| 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? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
