Cerca tra vari insegnanti di Inglese...
Dora
Should I use the word "do" in this sentence?
I see this sentence from the translation software.
“I want to help you, but I don't understand what you want to say.”
I don't understand why it is not described like this:
“I want to help you, but I don't understand what do you want to say.”
I think it missed the word "do". Can someone tell me why?
18 feb 2019 00:29
Risposte · 10
3
Actually, the translation software is correct — this time. Explanation: We do not use inversion in embedded questions, that is, subordinate clauses. Instead, we use normal subject verb statement word order (except for the question word itself, which is fronted):
Question:
When does the show start?
Statement:
The show starts at 8:00.
Embedded question:
I don’t know when
the show starts.
18 febbraio 2019
Adding "do" changes the question. The original question is actually a shortened one. This is the original "I want to help you, but I do not understand what it is that you want to say." It also means "what are you trying to say?" Adding "do" makes it a command and it sounds (to me) like the speaker is angry and wants the listener to give an answer right away.
18 febbraio 2019
Non hai ancora trovato le tue risposte?
Scrivi le tue domande e lascia che i madrelingua ti aiutino!
Dora
Competenze linguistiche
Cinese (mandarino), Inglese
Lingua di apprendimento
Inglese
Altri articoli che potrebbero piacerti

How to Answer “How Was Your Weekend?” Naturally in English
15 consensi · 6 Commenti

Why Some Jokes Don’t Translate: Understanding Humor in English
6 consensi · 1 Commenti

How to Talk About Your Strengths and Weaknesses Professionally
3 consensi · 1 Commenti
Altri articoli
