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 | |
|---|---|
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
