how often

[towcats1]

Hello.
I'd like to make up a special question.
Which one is right- Does he call you often? or Does he often call you?

 

[GoesStation]

They're both correct, but the first is much more common. Use it.

 

[emsr2d2]

I'd like to make up a special question.

I don't think "make up" is the verb you're looking for. It means "invent". You're simply writing or asking a question. More importantly, why do you think your question is special?

 

[towcats1]

[FONT=&quot]"Special issue of [/FONT](special[FONT=&quot] question)[/FONT][FONT=&quot]This type of question in English is different in that it can be given to any member of the proposal. The word order is also the opposite, and to obtain the necessary information used several interrogative words: What? — What ?; When? — When ?; Where? — Where ?; Why? — Why ?; Which? — Which one? and others. "
I wanted to ask how often he called. How often does he call?[/FONT]

 

[towcats1]

I was looking for authentic examples in COCA .
Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA)
The meaning of 'a special question" is completely different.

This is a special question for Martin.
Somebody has a very special question,

3This is a special question for Martin. Is there a moment when you recognize the genius of Steve	2014	SPOK	Fox: On The Record: Susteren	A	B	C	. Talk about everything that happened on the show tonight. We also have a special question that we're posting for you.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

"Special issue of (special question)This type of question in English is different in that it can be given to any member of the proposal. The word order is also the opposite, and to obtain the necessary information used several interrogative words: What? — What ?; When? — When ?; Where? — Where ?; Why? — Why ?; Which? — Which one? and others. "
I wanted to ask how often he called. How often does he call?

If you want an introductory sentence, this is better: I have a question.

But we know you have a question. That's why people come here.

So you really don't need an introduction. Save yourself some time and just ask the question.

 

[towcats1]

Which is the correct question for the adverb 'often'? What is the definition for this type of question?
I need in the answer the adverb 'often'.

 

[jutfrank]

Tell us exactly what you want to know.

Is it something about the position of often in sentences?

 

[towcats1]

I have just realised that you probably mean by 'special question'what we usually call 'wh- questions'. These are questions that begin with what, when, where, who (and whom, whose), which, why and how.

Yes, I do! We often have very strange definitions in our grammar books.

 

[emsr2d2]

I have just realised that you probably mean by 'special question'what we usually call 'wh- questions'. These are questions that begin with what, when, where, who (and whom, whose), which, why and how.

I discovered that too, but only by Googling "special questions grammar". I'd never heard the term until this thread.

 

[towcats1]

Tell us exactly what you want to know.

In 'wh- questions' you are asking for more information – not just a “yes”/”no” answer.
The question 'How often does he call you?' implies the response: 'Often'.

In 'yes/no questions'there are only two possible responses: Yes or No.
I need the adverb 'often' as an answer. Do I have to use 'wh- questions'?
Is it possible to answer 'Often' when you ask 'yes/no question'?

 

[jutfrank]

In 'yes/no questions'there are only two possible responses: Yes or No.

Is it possible to answer 'Often' when you ask 'yes/no question'?

It seems you've answered your own question.

 

[emsr2d2]

Do you ever play tennis?
Often!

That's technically a "Yes/No" question. It's entirely possible to give "Often" as the answer.