[Grammar] Word-Order in Interrogative Sentences

[Andromeda]

Dear teachers,


I have a question regarding the word-order in interrogative sentences. I think, the following two statements are grammatically correct; however, how do I explain the difference between them? (That is, when do we use No.2?)


1. Who is Shakespeare?


2. Who Shakespeare is?


Can the second sentence be said in situations like in a classroom for, instance, when the lecturer says, "Let me tell you who Shakespeare is"? Or, when it is becomes a heading in the slide show that goes,


"Who Shakespeare is:


1. He is an old bard of England.
2. He is the playwright of several...."


Thanks a lot.

 

[GoesStation]

Hi, and welcome to the forum! :hi:

Sentence 2 is incorrect because it's in declarative, not interrogative form and isn't complete. The other sample sentences with the phrase "who Shakespeare is" are both correct, but they aren't interrogative.

 

[jutfrank]

2 is neither a sentence, nor a statement, nor a question. In grammar terms, it's a noun phrase.

As you know, it could be used as a title or heading, but not with the question mark at the end.

As you've also mentioned, it could be part of a longer grammatical sentence, such as Let me tell you who Shakespeare is. In this sentence, the noun phrase in question functions as the direct object of the verb tell.

 

[GoesStation]

Thank you very much, jutfrank, for your clear explanation. I, truly, appreciate it.

Now, with yours and goestation's explanation, I have understood it much better.

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