interrogative sentence structure

Question

Can someone explain to me why "do you think" must be placed where it is in this question?Whose hat do you think this is?Thank you for your help

Philip · Accepted Answer

I'm having a little trouble understanding your confusion. If you tell me what you think it should be, I might be of more assistance. As a native speaker, I can't see any other option (which a learner might see as correct).

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousCan someone explain to me why "do you think" must be placed where it is in this question?Whose hat do you think this is?

It's the normal result of forming a question from the corresponding statement.

You think this is Lana's hat. (The statement form with the answer underlined.)
You think this is ( whose hat )? (The question word substitutes where the answer is.)
( Whose hat ) you think this is? (The noun phrase with the question word goes to the front.)
Whose hat you do think this is? ("do" is added in preparation for inversion in the next step.)
Whose hat do you think this is? (Subject and auxiliary verb "do" are inverted.)

CJ

Philip · Answer

Once again, CJ to the rescue.  Thanks!

CalifJim · Answer

PhilipThanks!

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks a lot! That's really helpful.

-Eva

interrogative sentence structure

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