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 | |
|---|---|
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
