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 | |
|---|---|
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
