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 | |
|---|---|
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
