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 | |
|---|---|
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
