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 it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
