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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?
2019年2月18日 00:29
回答 · 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.
2019年2月18日
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.
2019年2月18日
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