"What could be that?" or "What could that be?"

Question

"Who can that person be?" or "Who can be that person?"

Are both versions grammatically correct? If they are, could I know the difference in meaning if there is?

Thanks a lot.

Teechr · Accepted Answer

healer"What could be that?"

That's unnatural.

healer"What could that be?"

That's grammatical and natural.

-----------------------------------------------

healer"Who can that person be?" or "Who can be that person?"

Those are both possible, but they mean different things.

Scenario 1:

A: Some really kind person left a parcel containing food, clothes and presents outside the poor family's house. But no one knows who he/she is.

B: Hmm. Who can that person be?

Scenario 2:

A: I think all the roles for the play have been cast now, right?

B: Almost. We just need one person to play the injured captain. Any volunteers? Who can be that person?

Top answer