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 | |
|---|---|
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
