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 | |
|---|---|
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| 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 know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
