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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
Antwoorden · 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 februari 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 februari 2019
Heb je je antwoorden nog steeds niet gevonden?
Schrijf je vragen op en laat de moedertaalsprekers je helpen!
Dora
Taalvaardigheden
Chinees (Mandarijn), Engels
Taal die wordt geleerd
Engels
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