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 | |
|---|---|
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
