can is/is can - inversion

[GUEST2008]

Hi everyone!

There's the sentence: I know the answer should be "might," but why "can" is incorrect? Is it better to write "...but why is "can" incorrect?"

thanks

 

[heidita]

Hi everyone!

There's the sentence: I know the answer should be "might," but why "can" is incorrect? Is it better to write "...but why is "can" incorrect?"

thanks

The only correct sentence is the second one: why is can incorrect?

Can takes the function of the subject in this case.

 

[GUEST2008]

The only correct sentence is the second one: why is can incorrect?

Can takes the function of the subject in this case.

So, the word "can" is like Peter, for example.

Why is Peter at home? instead of Why Peter is at home?

Right?

thanks

 

[heidita]

So, the word "can" is like Peter, for example.

Why is Peter at home? instead of Why Peter is at home?

Right?

thanks

Hi guest, probably you are confused with the indirect/reported speech.

He asked: Why is can incorrect?
he asked why can was incorrect.

But this is not the case here as the question is direct: I understand that he is a busy man but why is Peter not at home at this time of night?