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 | |
|---|---|
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
