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 | |
|---|---|
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
