pubwie
New member
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2021
- Member Type
- English Teacher
- Native Language
- Afrikaans
- Home Country
- South Africa
- Current Location
- South Korea
Good day teachers
Could I ask for help explaining or identifying a clear reason why the following two indirect questions are slightly different in forming. I ask because I have a few low level ESL students who I'd like to give every chance without confusing them.
Example 1
Direct: What is the capital of Peru?
Indirect: Could you tell me what the capital of Peru is?
RULE: In indirect questions with is/are, the verb (is) comes after the subject (the capital of Peru).
ref:https://www.espressoenglish.net/direct-and-indirect-questions-in-english/
Example 2
Direct: What language is spoken in the Netherlands?
Indirect: Could you tell me what language is spoken in the Netherlands?
RULE: ?
Let's break it down:
Opening phrase:"Could you tell me"
Subject: what language
Verb: is spoken
( ? ): in the Netherlands.
"..in the netherlands" = object of the sentence, therefore the structure doesn't change like Example 1?
This is one of a few blind spots in my grammar knowledge, but hope someone could spare a few minutes explaining, please.
TIA
Could I ask for help explaining or identifying a clear reason why the following two indirect questions are slightly different in forming. I ask because I have a few low level ESL students who I'd like to give every chance without confusing them.
Example 1
Direct: What is the capital of Peru?
Indirect: Could you tell me what the capital of Peru is?
RULE: In indirect questions with is/are, the verb (is) comes after the subject (the capital of Peru).
ref:https://www.espressoenglish.net/direct-and-indirect-questions-in-english/
Example 2
Direct: What language is spoken in the Netherlands?
Indirect: Could you tell me what language is spoken in the Netherlands?
RULE: ?
Let's break it down:
Opening phrase:"Could you tell me"
Subject: what language
Verb: is spoken
( ? ): in the Netherlands.
"..in the netherlands" = object of the sentence, therefore the structure doesn't change like Example 1?
This is one of a few blind spots in my grammar knowledge, but hope someone could spare a few minutes explaining, please.
TIA
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