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 | |
|---|---|
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Don't you think we can get a house for 1200 per month. | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
