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? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| How long do you think it will take? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
