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 | |
|---|---|
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
