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 | |
|---|---|
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
