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 think you are a good cook? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
