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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Doubt about question grammar

I already asked a similar question but I'm still confused.

In a conversation if I ask a question like this "you did move the table?" Does it mean "Did you really move the table?" Or does it mean "was it you the one who moved the table?"

I know it's not correct and it should be "did you move..." in proper english, but I heard that expression and I'm curious to know how it works.
  

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5 Answers
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It would normally mean "Did you really move the table?"

A question with the intention "Was it you who moved the table?" normally requires emphasis on "you", and it is not possible to emphasise "you" in "You did move the table?" (though it is in "You moved the table?").
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Ok thank you for your answer, so in this case "you moved the table?" Could have both the meanings (did you really move/was it you who move) according if you give emphasis to you?
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AnonymousOk thank you for your answer, so in this case "you moved the table?" Could have both the meanings (did you really move/was it you who move) according if you give emphasis to you?
Probably not quite the same.

"You did move the table?" would typically confirm "you really did?" after there had been uncertainty or contrary statements.
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Ok, does it express surprise about the action or about the subjrct of the action?
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AnonymousOk, does it express surprise about the action or about the subjrct of the action?
It depends on the way you say it.

1. The table is made of stone. It weighs 2 tons.

Did you really MOVE that table?

2. The table is a folding table, designed to be easily set up. The table was set up last night, but now it is out of place.
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