Word Order: What do you think was the greatest invention of the 20th century?

[optimistic pessimist]

Dear all,


I would like to ask which word order is better in each pair?

1. What do you think was the greatest invention of the 20th century?
2. What do you think the greatest invention of the 20th century was ?

3. Who do you think is the person?
4. Who do you think the person is?

Thank you!

OP

 

[SoothingDave]

3 is incorrect. 2 is best, but you might hear #1 in speech.

 

[5jj]

When the verb of a wh- question is BE, the longer the subject of that verb, the more likely you are to hear the 'wrong version. So,

Who do you think the person is? :tick:
Who do you think is the person? :cross:

Who do you think the person who keeps sending you those strange emails is? :tick:
Who do you think is the person who keeps sending you those strange emails? :cross:/?

 

[billmcd]

When the verb of a wh- question is BE, the longer the subject of that verb, the more likely you are to hear the 'wrong version. So,

Who do you think the person is? :tick:
Who do you think is the person? :cross:

Who do you think the person who keeps sending you those strange emails is? :tick:
Who do you think is the person who keeps sending you those strange emails? :cross:/?

As an admitted "hypercorrectionist" and one who abhors "dangling verbs 'to be' ", what about, "Who do you think the person is who keeps sending you those strange emails?".

 

[5jj]

As an admitted "hypercorrectionist" and one who abhors "dangling verbs 'to be' ", what about, "Who do you think the person is who keeps sending you those strange emails?".

Personally, I have no problem with that in speech. I probably wouldn't write it.