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Mister Micawber Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Re: What is it that / what it is that

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These are both fine:

We need to investigate what it is that is blocking the server from connecting to other computers.
We need to investigate what is blocking the server from connecting to other computers.
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Top answer

what it is that is blocking the server ... is an indirect question embedded in the full sentence. This indirect question comes from a statement form: It is [something] that is blocking the server ...

— CalifJim

  • what it is that is blocking the server ...
  • is an indirect question embedded in the full sentence.
  • This indirect question comes from a statement form: It is [something] that is blocking the server ...
  • ] that is blocking the server ...
  • Moving the question word to the beginning gives the indirect question form: what it is that is blocking the server ...
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6 Answers
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what it is that is blocking the server ... is an indirect question embedded in the full sentence.

This indirect question comes from a statement form:
It is [something] that is blocking the server ...

Substituting the question word gives:
It is [what???] that is blocking the server ...

Moving the question word to the beginning gives the indi
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CJ,

I feel that, as per your explaination, the following sentence is not correct. Am I correct in that?

I am trying to understand what is the advantage of using trade weights as powers over...

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Musicgoldthe following sentence is not correct. Am I correct in that?
Yes. The sentence is not correct. You are correct. The corrected version is:

I am trying to understand what the advantage is of using trade weights ...

Embedded indirect questions do not have an inversion of subject and verb. Direct questions have the inversion.
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CJ,

Thanks a lot. Wish you a happy and prosperous new year!
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