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ARCHI Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

HOW START A QUESTION?

I hear people ask questions that begin with the words "Did," "There," "Is," "can," and "were." Is there a way not to use these words at the begining of questions? Would sentences 1 and 2 be correct with the words"Did," and "Are."

1. Did you know how to answer this difficult question?

2. Are you going to take your pill today?

OR

1. You know how to answer this difficult question?

2. You going to take your pill today?
  

Top answer

Those words are left out only in very casual conversation between friends. I don't recommend it. In the case of the first, the past tense is missing if you leave out did , so if you say You know how ...?

— CalifJim

  • Those words are left out only in very casual conversation between friends.
  • I don't recommend it.
  • In the case of the first, the past tense is missing if you leave out did , so if you say You know how ...?
  • it will be interpreted as Do you know how ...?
  • , not as Did you know how ...?
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1 Answers
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Those words are left out only in very casual conversation between friends. I don't recommend it.

In the case of the first, the past tense is missing if you leave out did, so if you say You know how ...? it will be interpreted as Do you know how ...?, not as Did you know how ...?

CJ
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