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 you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
