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 | |
|---|---|
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
