[Grammar] I don't know what's the matter.

[xxwzs]

Which sentences is/are correct?
(1) I don't know what's the matter.
(2) I don't know what the matter is.
(3) What subjects do you know does he like?
(4) What subjects do you know he likes?
Deep thanks in advance.

 

[Barb_D]

Re: clause

What do you think?

 

[xxwzs]

Re: clause

What do you think?

It is said by my students that according to what they were taught before, both (1) and (3) works normally.

 

[tedmc]

Re: clause

It is said by my students that according to what they were taught before, both (1) and (3) works normally.

What is your own view as a teacher?

 

[emsr2d2]

Re: clause

[STRIKE]It is said by[/STRIKE] My students say that, according to what they were taught before, both (1) and (3) [STRIKE]works[/STRIKE] work normally.

Note my corrections above. You referred to them as "my students" suggesting that you are a teacher. Your member profile says you are "interested in language". Which one is correct? If you are their teacher, you should be able to answer the original question yourself.

 

[Rover_KE]

I have changed your thread title.


Extract from the Posting Guidelines:

'Thread titles should include all or part of the word/phrase being discussed.'

 

[xxwzs]

Re: clause

What is your own view as a teacher?

I prefer both (2) and (4).

 

[bhaisahab]

Re: clause

You are right.

 

[tzfujimino]

Re: clause

I prefer "Do you know what subjects he likes?".
Is #4 acceptable?

 

[xxwzs]

Re: clause

Note my corrections above. You referred to them as "my students" suggesting that you are a teacher. Your member profile says you are "interested in language". Which one is correct? If you are their teacher, you should be able to answer the original question yourself.

As you mentioned above, I am an amateur English teacher who is interested in English. As I was discussing above-mentioned 4 sentences with my students, they pointed out that their former English teacher held different views from mine. He chose (1) and (3) while I stood for (2) and (4). I searched the Internet, trying to figure out whose choice was correct but only to find each choice had their supporters. I am so embarrassed that I come here for help. I really really need to know which is/are correct.
Thanks a lot again.

 

[Raymott]

Re: clause

You don't need to be embarrassed. The correct sentences are 2 and 4, as bhaisahab confirmed in post #8.

 

[Raymott]

Re: clause

I prefer "Do you know what subjects he likes?".

That means a different thing. The answer to your question is something like "yes; no; I know a few of them."
The answer to "What subjects do you know that he likes?" might be "English, Maths and Science".

 

[tzfujimino]

Re: clause

The answer to "What subjects do you know that he likes?" might be "English, Maths and Science".

If my student had made that sentence, I would have corrected it to either "Do you know what subjects he likes?" or "What subjects do you think he likes?" I know they mean different things.

Anyway, I now understand #4 is acceptable.
Thank you very much.

 

[tedmc]

Re: clause

xxwzs
I suggest you read up on "indirect questions".