Español
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 know why they built this enormous pier? | ¿Sabés por qué construyeron este enorme muelle? |
| I'm still checking, do you think I can try some bugs here? | Sigo revisando, ¿crees que puedo probar algunos insectos aquí? |
| Hey, don't you think Diego would like to join us, too? | Hey, ¿no crees que Diego también se nos podría unir? |
| Don't you think he is a nice guy? | ¿No te parece que es un buen tipo? |
| Yeah, I forgot that, when do you think we can meet, then? | Cierto, olvidé eso, ¿entonces a qué hora crees que nos podamos reunir? |
| When do you think we can have the meeting? | ¿Cuándo crees que podremos tener la reunión? |
| Do you think she is good? | ¿Crees que sea buena? |
| That's insane, do you think we can negotiate the prices? | Eso es de locos, ¿crees que podamos negociar los precios? |
| Do you think we should pay for it? | ¿Crees que deberíamos pagarlo? |
| When do you think you are going to look for houses again? | ¿Cuándo crees que irás a buscar casas otra vez? |
| Where do you think we can get a house? | ¿Dónde crees que podemos conseguir una casa? |
| Do you think it will help us get a table? | ¿Crees que eso ayudará a que consigamos una mesa? |
| How much do you think there is? | ¿Cuánto crees que hay? |
| Can you tell me where you are taking me first? | ¿Puedes primero decirme a dónde me vas a llevar? |
| Does it mean you are going to ask for some commission? | ¿Eso significa que vas a pedir una comisión? |
| Do you think they are doing fine? | ¿Crees que van a llevarse bien? |
| How long do you think it will take? | ¿Cuánto tiempo cree que se tarde? |
| Do you think we can let him go out? | ¿Crees que podemos dejarlo salir? |
| Yes, I'm ready, do you think I'll need a jacket? | Sí estoy lista, ¿crees que necesitaré una chaqueta? |
| Do you know where the kitchen is? | ¿Sabes dónde está la cocina? |
