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 | |
|---|---|
| How long do you think it will take? | Combien de temps cela prendra-t-il ? |
| 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 ? |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | Sais-tu de quelle couleur est l'emballage? |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | C'est fou, penses-tu qu'on peut négocier les prix ? |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | Ne penses-tu pas que nous pourrions avoir une maison pour 1200 par mois. |
| 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 know if he has got a girlfriend? | Tu sais s'il a une petite amie ? |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | Tu penses vraiment régler le problème? |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | Tu penses que c'est une bonne idée? |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | Hum, tu penses qu'elle peut leur faire quoi? |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | Hé, ne penses-tu pas que Diego voudrait nous rejoindre également ? |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | Savez-vous comment les filles se rendent-elles à Soho ? |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | Tu penses que ça sera prêt dans combien de temps? |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | Peux-tu me dire ce que tu prévois de faire du coup ? |
| Do you think she is good? | Pensez-vous qu'elle soit bien ? |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | Tu penses qu'ils vont bien? |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | Tu sais où se trouve la cuisine? |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | Combien penses-tu qu'une location de maison coûterait ? |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | Tu penses que je devrais sortit Pogo de sa boîte? |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | Tu peux me dire combien ils payent, Nick, s'il te plaît? |
