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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

"what you like" vs " what do you like"

Hi, is the second sentence wrong? If so can you tell me why?

"it depends what you like"

"it depends what do you like"
  

Top answer

The second sentence is wrong because it is affirmative, not interrogative. " - "It all depends. What sort of bike do you like / do you want?

— JohnKeats

  • The second sentence is wrong because it is affirmative, not interrogative.
  • " - "It all depends.
  • What sort of bike do you like / do you want?
  • / would you like?
  • I think you can drop the ON after "depend" in informal English (as you did).
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5 Answers
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The second sentence is wrong because it is affirmative, not interrogative.

You could say, "How much will have I to pay for a bike?" - "It all depends. What sort of bike do you like / do you want? / would you like?

I think you can drop the ON after "depend" in informal English (as you did). However, in written English I do feel you should retain it.

Better to wait for nat
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Hi,

I've already answered this question here:



Regards
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Hi, Regards.

I'd like to know if you agree with the following:

"I think you can drop the ON after "depend" in informal English (as you did). However, in written English I do feel you should retain it."

Thanks a lot.

JK
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Hi,

No. Depend on is a phrasal verb, and even in informal English it shouldn't be used without on.

Regards
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In this case, and only in informal English, you can drop the 'on' and replace it with a pause. "That would depend...what sort of bike would you like?" I don't know how many times I've heard similar - and done so myself - "Hmmm, that would depend...how many database calls would you be making in a single transaction?"
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