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 it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
