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 | |
|---|---|
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
