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 | |
|---|---|
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you think we can find it there? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
