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 I should take Pogo out of his box? | |
| But why do you think we should leave the house? | |
| Do you think we should buy the return tickets now? | |
| Do you think she is good? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | |
| Do you know why they built this enormous pier? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| How much do you think there is? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you know what time it is? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
