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? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
