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Discussion Groups / English Usage / July 2009Usage of "is" in asking questions
Hello. I would like to ask which of the following is grammatically correct: "Could I ask where is the apple?" "Could I ask where the apple is?" Thanks for help in advance. In article <dbe64d5f-6d35-4e40-b5e5-90e0bf0475d5@j14g2000vbp.googlegroups.com>, > Hello. I would like to ask which of the following is grammatically > correct: [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Thanks for help in advance. The second one. But, the first can be rescued with some punctuation: Could I ask, "Where is the apple?"  Signature--------------------------- | BBB b \ Barbara at LivingHistory stop co stop uk | B B aa rrr b | | BBB a a r bbb | Quidquid latine dictum sit, | B B a a r b b | altum viditur. | BBB aa a r bbb | ----------------------------- > In article > <dbe64d5f-6d35-4e40-b5e5-90e0bf0475d5@j14g2000vbp.googlegroups.com>, [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > The second one. But, the first can be rescued with some punctuation: > Could I ask, "Where is the apple?" Why not, 'Could I ask, "Where is the apple?"?'? SignatureWhich of the seven heavens / Was responsible her smile / Wouldn't be sure but attested / That, whoever it was, a god / Worth kneeling-to for a while / Had tabernacled and rested. > Hello. I would like to ask which of the following is grammatically > correct: > > "Could I ask where is the apple?" > "Could I ask where the apple is?" As already answered, the second. Note, though, that while the form is sufficient for conversation or casual writing, it is not suited for choice writing. The reason is that the query is not actually about where the apple may be, but rather if it is acceptable to ask where it is. In speech, occasionally some smart aleck might answer that query with just "Yes." There are times when it is valid to use such a casting--typically in light sarcasm--but it is as well to keep in mind what query it is that one actually wants answered. SignatureCordially, Eric Walker, Owlcroft House http://owlcroft.com/english/ > > Hello. I would like to ask which of the following is grammatically > > correct: [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Cordially, > Eric Walker, Owlcroft Househttp://owlcroft.com/english/ Thank you for the helpful information. I am now left wondering whether or not the first example was correct at a time before, as I think that I read such usage in one of Bertrand Russel's books. I know at least that I read it in a book of a reputable English author. On Jun 26, 12:08 pm, Eric Walker <em...@owlcroft.com> wrote: > On Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:25:17 -0700, jpcooper wrote: > > Hello. I would like to ask which of the following is grammatically [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > just > "Yes." jpcooper: Thank you for the helpful information. I am now left wondering whether or not the first example was correct at a time before, as I think that I read such usage in one of Bertrand Russel's books. I know at least that I read it in a book of a reputable English author. Pat: I consider both of your examples to be grammatically correct. It is just that modern spoken English usage is not at ease with your first example. It may be that some writers at some times have used it, but as a learner of the language, you should endeavor to use the second example as the more accepted and unquestioned form. > I read such usage in one of Bertrand Russel's books. I know at least > that I read it in a book of a reputable English author. 2 'l's in Russell. He was a mathematician and philosopher, not a literary writer, and whether he was "reputable" depends on your point of view. > > Hello. I would like to ask which of the following is grammatically > > correct: [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Cordially, > Eric Walker, Owlcroft Househttp://owlcroft.com/english/ Though the example which I read in the book is probably more similar to "It is not known where is the apple.". >> Hello. I would like to ask which of the following is grammatically >> correct: [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > light sarcasm--but it is as well to keep in mind what query it is that > one actually wants answered. Choice writing is fraught with pitfalls. SignatureMarshall Price of Miami marshallprice@att.net http://marshallprice.wordpress.com >Hello. I would like to ask which of the following is grammatically >correct: > >"Could I ask where is the apple?" Could I ask, "Where is the apple?" May I ask, "Where is the apple?" "Where is the apple?" >"Could I ask where the apple is?" Fine as is or with "may". >Thanks for help in advance. SignaturePosters should say where they live, and for which area they are asking questions. I have lived in Western Pa. 10 years Indianapolis 10 years Chicago 6 years Brooklyn, NY 12 years Baltimore 26 years |
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