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Anonymous Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
Interrogative constructions
Hello,
My question is about asking questions. Normally asking WH-questions implies the inversion of the auxiliary and the subject (What would Peter say?). But in some cases, I have an impression that the rule does not necessarily applies. For example, I think I've already heard some people say What would be his role ? instead of the regular form What would his role be ?
Could someone tell me if both forms are regarded as correct ? Is the "would be" form is attested but considered substandard ?
My question is about asking questions. Normally asking WH-questions implies the inversion of the auxiliary and the subject (What would Peter say?). But in some cases, I have an impression that the rule does not necessarily applies. For example, I think I've already heard some people say What would be his role ? instead of the regular form What would his role be ?
Could someone tell me if both forms are regarded as correct ? Is the "would be" form is attested but considered substandard ?
Top answer
Hi, My question is about asking questions. ). But in some cases, I have an impression that the rule does not necessarily applies.
- Hi, My question is about asking questions.
- ).
- But in some cases, I have an impression that the rule does not necessarily applies.
- For example, I think I've already heard some people say What would be his role ?
- instead of the regular form What would his role be ?
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3 Answers
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Hi,
My question is about asking questions. Normally asking WH-questions implies the inversion of the auxiliary and the subject (What would Peter say?). But in some cases, I have an impression that the rule does not necessarily applies. For example, I think I've already heard some people say What would be his role ? instead of the regular form
My question is about asking questions. Normally asking WH-questions implies the inversion of the auxiliary and the subject (What would Peter say?). But in some cases, I have an impression that the rule does not necessarily applies. For example, I think I've already heard some people say What would be his role ? instead of the regular form
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Inversion does not apply when questioning the subject.
What would his role be?> Expected answer: His role would be .....
What would be his role?> Expected answer: .... would be his role.
In the case of equatives the difference can be negligible. I sense a slight difference in tone between these two sentences, but I don't how to charac
What would his role be?> Expected answer: His role would be .....
What would be his role?> Expected answer: .... would be his role.
In the case of equatives the difference can be negligible. I sense a slight difference in tone between these two sentences, but I don't how to charac
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Hi Anon
Only What would his role be? is grammatical, i.e. the word order is right. However, I am not saying that What would be his role? should not be used. The decision is up to you.
Everything that passes for correct English usage today was at one stage regarded as inferior or ungrammatical. You would not understand a single sentence of Old English, yet there is
Only What would his role be? is grammatical, i.e. the word order is right. However, I am not saying that What would be his role? should not be used. The decision is up to you.
Everything that passes for correct English usage today was at one stage regarded as inferior or ungrammatical. You would not understand a single sentence of Old English, yet there is
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