what is the truth/what the truth is

[GUEST2008]

Hi

I admit that I don't know what is the truth about it.

I admit that I don't know what the truth about it is.

---Which one is correct?

[probus]

"I admit that I don't know what the truth about it is" is the idiomatic expression. The other is awkward.

[GUEST2008]

Thanks for the answer. I always have problems with it, because as far as I know "is" is not always placed at the end of a sentence even when it's an affirmative sentence.
I can't think of any examples now, but I'm sure there are such cases.

[engee30]

Thanks for the answer. I always have problems with it, because as far as I know "is" is not always placed at the end of a sentence even when it's an affirmative sentence.
I can't think of any examples now, but I'm sure there are such cases.

Here's an example for you, GUEST2008:
I admit that I don't know what is wrong with the sentence.

[GUEST2008]

Hi

Good example.

So why not: ...what wrong with this sentence is.

[engee30]

Hi

Good example.

So why not: ...what wrong with this sentence is.

In my example, what functions as subject to the verb is; in yours - as object.

[Bamako3]

what functions ... in yours - as object.

No.

I admit that I don't know [what the truth about it is].

The bracketed nominal relative clause is the object of "know". "what" functions as the predicate nominative in the sub-clause.

[engee30]

No.

I admit that I don't know [what the truth about it is].

The bracketed nominal relative clause is the object of "know". "what" functions as the predicate nominative in the sub-clause.

Still, it's the object, no matter what you call it. I merely wanted the asker to see the difference between the two sentences, explaining the issue to him in simple terms.

[Bamako3]

Still, it's the object

Again, no.

I do not know something.
I do not know what the truth is.

If "what" is indeed the object, then what is "the truth is"?

[engee30]

Again, no.

I do not know something.
I do not know what the truth is.

If "what" is indeed the object, then what is "the truth is"?

The truth in that clause is the subject:
I do not know this - this stands for the object of know
this = what the truth is - the object

What is the truth? - what is the object
The truth is what? - the truth is the subject, what is the object
The truth is this. - the truth is the subject, this is the object