Italiano
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 they are doing fine? | Pensi che stanno andando bene? |
| Do you think we should buy it? | Pensi che dovremo comprarlo? |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | Pensi davvero che vuoi risolvere il problema? |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | Quanto tempo pensi ci voglia perché sia pronto? |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | Ma perché pensi che dovremmo lasciare la casa? |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | Non credi che ti stai arrabbiando un po’ troppo? |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | Pensi che dovremmo comprare i biglietti di ritorno adesso? |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | Quando pensi che potremo fare il meeting? |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | Sai di che colore è la confezione? |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | Pensi che sia una buona idea? |
| Do you know how old this station is? | Sai quanto è vecchia questa stazione? |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | Sto ancora guardando, pensi che posso provare qualche insetto qui? |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | Puoi spiegarmi perché dobbiamo pagare £ 30 di più a settimana per favore? |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | Pensi che dovremo pagarlo? |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | Si sono pronta, pensi che mi servirà una giacca? |
| Do you think she is good? | Tu pensi sia brava? |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | Pensi che ci aiuterà ad avere un tavolo? |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | Chi vorrebbe? Puoi dirmi allora dove vuoi vivere? |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | Dove pensi che possiamo trovare una casa? |
| Do you know what time it is? | Lo sai che ore sono? |
