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Tenacious Learner Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Question, 'What for ...?'

Hi teachers,

In fact, he has little money, only a few coins, and he needs them to take the tube home.

Which is the correct question according to the previous sentence.

a) What for does Fred need the coins?

b) What does Fred need the coins for?

Is it correct to give these directions for the previous questions?

Ask and answer what for Fred needs the coins.

Thanks in advance
  

Top answer

' Rover

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10 Answers
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'What does Fred need the coins for?'

'He needs them to take the tube home.'

Rover
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I have never heard or seen the first one. So I say "What does Fred need the coins for?" is the right alternative.
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Hello Rover,

Thank you so much for your reply.

Best regards

TS
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Hi makaay,

Thank you very much for your reply.

Best regards

TS
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Whenever you substitute "What ... for?" for "Why?" the "for" comes way at the end of the clause.

Why does he want to try to learn English in three days?

=

What does he want to try to learn English in three days for?
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Hi Jim,

Nice to see you around and thank you for your reply.

So, according to your explanation I should use 'why' instead of 'what ... for'.

Because 'why' has two meanings in Spanish, 'por qué y para qué', or I can use both because the question is not too long.

Best regards

TS


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Thinking SpainI can use both because the question is not too long.
You can use either in this case. We don't make the para/por distinction. At least I can't think of a case just now.

I would use "What ... for?" in this one.

CJ
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Hi Jim,

Thank YOU very much for your help.Emotion: nodding

So the directions should be, 'Ask and answer what Fred needs the co
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Thinking SpainAsk and answer
There is nothing wrong with what you have, but I am not completely comfortable with two verbs of command followed by the complement of those verbs. I think it's clearer to finish the instructions for one task first; then state the second task:

Ask what Fred needs the coins for, and then answer the question.

CJ
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Hi Jim,
CalifJimAsk what Fred needs the coins for, and then answer the question.
I agree with your proposal and I'll change the way I've been asking the students to do so.

Great explanation and great contribution to the teaching, at least mine.
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