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 | |
|---|---|
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
