Question composing

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JustAlilBit

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How to compose correct question with word "can't"?

Why I can't?
or
Why can't I?

In my opinion correct answer is 1st, but I am curious and I would like to know correct answer without doubt =)
 

TheParser

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How to compose correct question with word "can't"?

Why I can't?
or
Why can't I?

In my opinion correct answer is 1st, but I am curious and I would like to know correct answer without doubt =)


NOT A TEACHER


Tommy: Can I smoke a cigarette?

Mother: No, you can't.

Tommy: Why can't I (smoke a cigarette)?/ Why not? (Why can I not smoke a cigarette?)

Mother: Because I love you and don't want you to ruin your health.
 

JustAlilBit

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NOT A TEACHER


Tommy: Can I smoke a cigarette?

Mother: No, you can't.

Tommy: Why can't I (smoke a cigarette)?/ Why not? (Why can I not smoke a cigarette?)

Mother: Because I love you and don't want you to ruin your health.

Thanks, but I would like to know which one of my sentence is correct
 

TheParser

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Thanks, but I would like to know which one of my sentence is correct


NOT A TEACHER

Your second sentence.

For example: Why can't I go to the movies?

Your first sentence could be used like this:

I want to know why I can't go to the movies. (But that is NOT a direct question.)
 

Barb_D

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In questions, we usually put the (first) verb first.

Where are you going?
When did she arrive?
Why can't I do that?
How often do you come here?
 

JustAlilBit

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In questions, we usually put the (first) verb first.

Where are you going?
When did she arrive?
Why can't I do that?
How often do you come here?

I got it :up:
 
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