[Grammar] I know what *is* the matter

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suprunp

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You need to quote your source if you paste something - ie. what dictionary is it.

"Tell me what it is, Gretta. I think I know what is the matter. Do I know?"
("Dubliners" by James Joyce, "The Dead")

How often this kind of construction is used in comparison with this one "I think I know what the matter is."?

Thanks.
 

billmcd

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"Tell me what it is, Gretta. I think I know what is the matter. Do I know?"
("Dubliners" by James Joyce, "The Dead")

How often this kind of construction is used in comparison with this one "I think I know what the matter is."?

Thanks.

My estimate. AmE:
"I know what is the matter" (10%) vs. "...what the matter is" (90%)
 
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