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 | |
|---|---|
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | |
| Don't you think it's better to live upstairs? | |
| How many people do you think you are going to cook for? | |
| Do you know how much the tickets are? | |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | |
| Do you think we should buy it? | |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | |
| Do you think we should make a reservation? | |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | |
| Erm, what do you think she could do to them? | |
