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 we can find it there? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
