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 he is a nice guy? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
