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 | |
|---|---|
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| 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? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
