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Dave Mitchell Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

Celta application question

Folks,

I am sorry that this is probably an old question but I am totally stuck. I am trying to resubmit my pre-interview Celta application and one question has me ( and everyone else I know, including experienced ELT teachers ), stumped. I am not looking for the answer, just a clue as to what I am looking for and where I can research it. I have googled and checked my grammar books but I have no clue. I need to correct and explain the error of the following question. What did you say was your name ?

I know it is incorrect and what the correct sentence is but have no clue as to why it is technically wrong and how to explain it.

I could really use some help.

Many thanks in advance.

Dave

  

Top answer

Dave Mitchell What did you say was your name ? I know it is incorrect I disagree that it is incorrect (apart from the separate minor issue that there should be no space before a question mark). However, the other form is no doubt more common and has a more idiomatic feel.

— GPY

  • Dave Mitchell What did you say was your name ?
  • I know it is incorrect I disagree that it is incorrect (apart from the separate minor issue that there should be no space before a question mark).
  • However, the other form is no doubt more common and has a more idiomatic feel.
  • If you have Googled this, you have no doubt read various other discussions about it at this and other forums.
  • "
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3 Answers
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Dave MitchellWhat did you say was your name ?
I know it is incorrect

I disagree that it is incorrect (apart from the separate minor issue that there should be no space before a question mark).

However, the other form is no doubt more common and has a more idiomatic feel. If you have Googled this, you have no doubt read various other discussions ab

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Dave MitchellWhat did you say was your name ?

The space before the question mark is an error. The word order in the last clause is wrong.

Asking about a former name:

Judge: What was your name before you were married?
Supplicant: Jennifer Johanson.
Judge: I didn't get that. What did you say your name was?
Sup

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Dave, did you find a good answer somewhere? I am struggling with the same question on the form myself.


Tamar

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