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 know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
