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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 | |
|---|---|
| How much do you think renting a house would cost? | ¿Cuánto crees que cueste rentar una casa? |
| Do you think we can find it there? | ¿Crees que podemos encontrarlo allí? |
| When do you think you will be leaving? | ¿A qué hora crees que saldrás? |
| Do you think it's a good idea? | ¿Crees que es una buena idea? |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | ¿Eso significa que vas a pedir una comisión? |
| Do you really think you want to solve the problem? | ¿De verdad crees que quieres solucionar el problema? |
| Do you have a plan about what you are going to do now? | ¿Tienes un plan sobre qué vas a hacer ahora? |
| Can you please tell me where it is? | ¿Puedes decirme por favor dónde está? |
| Do you know what colour the packet is? | ¿Sabes de qué color es el paquete? |
| Do you know if he has got a girlfriend? | ¿Sabes si tiene novia? |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | Sí estoy lista, ¿crees que necesitaré una chaqueta? |
| It's seven thirty! Who do you think it could be? | ¡Son las siete y media! ¿Quién crees que pueda ser? |
| Do you think she is good? | ¿Crees que sea buena? |
| Can you tell me, Nick, how much they pay, please? | ¿Puedes decirme, Nick, cuánto pagan ellos? |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | ¿Crees que deberíamos pagarlo? |
| Do you think you are a good cook? | ¿Crees que eres un buen cocinero? |
| Do you think we should see the next house? | ¿Crees que deberíamos ver la siguiente casa? |
| How long do you think it's going to take to be ready? | ¿Cuánto crees que tardará en estar listo? |
| Don't you think you are getting a bit too angry? | ¿No crees que te estás enfadando demasiado? |
| Who would? Can you tell me where you want to live then? | ¿Quién sí? ¿Puedes decirme entonces dónde te gustaría vivir? |
