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 | |
|---|---|
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
