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 | |
|---|---|
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
