Français
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 know how old this station is? | Saurais-tu quel âge a cette station? |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | Ouais, j'avais oublié ça, quand penses-tu qu'on peut se rencontrer du coup ? |
| How long do you think it will take? | Combien de temps cela prendra-t-il ? |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | Tu penses que je devrais sortit Pogo de sa boîte? |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | Tu penses qu'ils vont bien? |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | Tu penses être un bon cuisinier? |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | Tu penses que ça sera prêt dans combien de temps? |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | Tu pense qu'on devrait visiter la prochaine maison? |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | Combien penses-tu qu'une location de maison coûterait ? |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | Tu sais où se trouve la cuisine? |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | Ça veut dire que vous allez demander une espèce d'acompte? |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | Penses-tu que ça nous aidera à avoir une table ? |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | Je suis encore entrain de regarder, penses-tu que je peux essayer quelques insectes ici ? |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | Peux-tu me dire où tu m'emmènes d'abord ? |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | Pour combien de personnes envisages-tu de cuisiner? |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | Oui, je suis prête. Tu penses que j'aurai besoin d'un gilet? |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | Tu penses qu'on peut le laisser sortir? |
| How much do you think there is? | Combien il y en a-t-il, à ton avis ? |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | Tu peux me dire où elle est? |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | Tu sais s'il a une petite amie ? |
