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 #2 (permalink) Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:24 pm Main clause or subclause |
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Both sentences can be correct, please look at these examples:
To what extent is it possible to measure that?
(main clause)
I don't know to what extent it is possible to measure that. (subordinate clause)
TOEFL listening lectures: A lecture from a social studies class |
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Torsten
Learning Coach
Joined: 25 Sep 2003
Posts: 14493
Location: EU
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| #3 (permalink) Thu Jan 13, 2005 0:05 am Question... |
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Thanks, but isn't that a double question?
Sorry to insist on this one. I am confused.
I was told we should not use double questions.
For example, isn't the following wrong:
"Can you tell me where is the bathroom?"
I was told the correct question should be:
"Can you tell me where the bathroom is?"
Please let me know your opinion.
Thanks
Paulo Dias. |
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Camoes
New Member
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 1
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| #4 (permalink) Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:48 am Double question |
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| camoes wrote: |
Thanks, but isn't that a double question?
"Can you tell me where is the bathroom?"
I was told the correct question should be:
"Can you tell me where the bathroom is?"
Paulo Dias. |
OK, if you ask Where is the bathroom? your sentence has just one part - the main clause. If you add another part (Can you tell me) you have to put the verb in the second part into another place so that the second part becomes a subclause (where the bathroom is instead of Where is the bathroom?)
So if your main clause is a question followed by another question the second question has to be a subclause with the verb behind the subject otherwise you create a 'double question'.
Now, in the sentence you are referring to the first part is a statement (I don't know) followed by subclause (to what extent it is possible to measure that.)
Your sentence is grammatically correct but it sounds a bit awkward. How about this: I don't know to what extent it can be measured.
Please, let us know if this makes sense to you. Asking questions is the most ingredient to success in any calling.
Regards
Torsten
TOEFL listening lectures: A lecture in biology class |
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Torsten
Learning Coach
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Posts: 14493
Location: EU
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| How to memorize things quikely and correctly? | Writing questions? |
