Question. Information inside parentheses.

Question

Hi teachers,Information to consider, 'Adverbs of number (exact number of times)'.Once, twice, three times, etc.The first 'e' letter inside the paretheses should be capital letter or small one?Thanks in advance.

Canadian45 · Accepted Answer

Thinking SpainInformation to consider, 'Adverbs of number (exact number of times)'.Once, twice, three times, etc.

The first 'e' (no "letter") inside the paretheses should be capital letter or small one? That is not correct question grammar. English questions almost always start with a question word, and this question should start with a question word. What question word is in that sentence?

Why do you think that "e" might need to be capitalized?

quote]

Tenacious Learner · Answer

canadian45What question word is in that sentence?

Sorry there is no question word at all. There is the word 'question' just because I have a 'question' about the possibility of capitalize the first 'e'.

canadian45Why do you think that "e" might need to be capitalized?

I don't know. I have this doubt. That's why I've asked.

TS

Canadian45 · Answer

Thinking SpainHi teachers,

Information to consider, 'Adverbs of number (exact number of times)'.Once, twice, three times, etc. The first 'e' letter inside the paretheses should be capital letter or small one? Thanks in advance.

'Should the first "e" inside the parentheses be a capital letter (or not)?'

The above is a proper English question; it begins with the question word "Should".

'Why', 'when', 'how', etc are not the only words used to start a question. There are many many other question words, such as 'is', 'are', 'will', 'do', 'does', 'can', 'may', 'could', etc.

We mainly capitalize the first letter of a sentence and the first letter of proper nouns. So there is no reason to capitalize that "e" or the the I, A or O.

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Hi canadian45,

canadian45'Should the first "e" inside the parentheses be a capital letter (or not)?'

Thank you for correcting me.

canadian45The above is a proper English question; it begins with the question word "Should".

'Should' is a question word?

canadian45There are many many other question words, such as 'is', 'are', 'will', 'do', 'does', 'can', 'may', 'could', etc.

I have never called them 'question words', but just verbs: main verbs, auxiliary verbs, or modal verbs.

Have I always been mistaken?

TS

Canadian45 · Answer

Thinking SpainHi canadian45,
Thank you for correcting me. You're welcome!

'Should' is a question word? [N]

You cannot make a correct English question by putting a question mark at the end of a statement! An English question, most of the time, has to start with a question word.*

'Is "Should" (really) a question word?' [Y]

* Exceptions to the rule are sentences like the following.

1) Since when have you been doing that?

2) By how much did he win?

However, in oral English one can say 'Should is a question word.' as a question, because the tone of your voice, and perhaps also your facial expression, makes it clear that that is a question. But in written English you have to use proper question grammar.

I have never called them question words.....

"question words" is a descriptive/functional term, and it indicates that those words can be used to start a correct English question. If you google "question words", you often only find a discussion of 'Who' and the five 'W' question words. But some sites, such as the one below, recognize the fact that many other words are also question words. Note questions 8 and 10.

http://english-zone.com/grammar/questions2.htm

Canadian45 · Answer

I meant 'How' and the five 'W' question words.

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Hi Canadian45,

Thank you so much for the whole pack of explanations. They are very helpful. Though this one ''Should' is a question word?' I knew it. I have just use it in the way I did it 'because of the tone of my voice' and because I've also seen it written. Now I know, because of you, that it is not a proper way to use it in written English.

TS

Question. Information inside parentheses.

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