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 really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
