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 we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
