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? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
