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 | |
|---|---|
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| Do you know how the girls are getting to Soho? | |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | |
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| Can you tell me what you are planning then? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| Do you know how old this station is? | |
