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 | |
|---|---|
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you explain why we have to pay £30 more per week please? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
