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 they are doing fine? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| 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? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
