where to put the verb in indirect question

[Casiopea]

In 1. the verb is links the subject his name with its (interrogative) complement what:

1. His name is what?

In 2. the complement is moved to clause-initial position, leaving the verb apparently stranded:

2. Do you know what his name is?

The verb isn't stranded though. It still links the complement what with its subject his name.

Does that help?

[svartnik]

Originally Posted by Casiopea

In 1. the verb is links the subject his name with its (interrogative) complement what:

1. His name is what?

In 2. the complement is moved to clause-initial position, leaving the verb apparently stranded:

2. Do you know what his name is?

The verb isn't stranded though. It still links the complement what with its subject his name.

Does that help?

"The verb isn't stranded though."
But it seems so.
Is it not stranded because the language is non-linear?
Thanks for your attention.

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by svartnik

Is it not stranded because the language is non-linear?

Yes. In other words, written language is linear. English, for example, is written and read from left to right, but the way we interpret the words and phrases we read, and hear, is non-linear.

Does that help?