Interrogative Clauses
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Transcript of Interrogative Clauses
Intro toInterrogative Clauses
Peter Mangiaracina
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Peter Mangiaracina
★ The Problem★ A Note About Clauses★ Two Types of Clauses★ The Structure of a Question★ The Structure of a Clause / Sentence★ The Structure of an Interrogative Clause★ Interrogatives with “If”★ Interrogative Clauses in Questions.★ Common Introductory Main Clauses★ Conclusion
Introduction
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Peter Mangiaracina
• Let’s clear up a problem I often hear.
• Question: What time does the store open?Answer: I’m sorry. I don’t know what time does the store open. (Incorrect) I’m sorry. I don’t know what time the store opens. (Correct)
• The second answer is correct because it is an interrogative clause, not a question.
*See my presentations on Basic English Structure and Phrases, Clauses and Sentences for more information
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The Problem
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• Clauses make up sentences.
• Every clause must have a subject and a conjugated verb, and frequently an object. It usually takes this form:
A Note about Clauses
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Subject Verb (Object)
*See my presentations on Basic English Structure and Phrases, Clauses and Sentences for more information
Peter Mangiaracina
Two Types of Clauses• There are main clauses and subordinate clauses.
• A main clause can stand alone as a sentenceExample: The student comes to class.
• A subordinate clause must be attached to a main clause or it makes no senseExample: When the student comes to class…
• An interrogative clause is a subordinate clause. It begins with a question word or “if” and must be attached to a main clause.Example: When the student comes to class, he brings his book…or… The student brings his book when he comes to class.
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Peter Mangiaracina
Question• A question has a specific structure which usually follows
this formula:
Question Word Auxiliary Subject Verb
What kind of book did Mr. Mishima buy?
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Auxiliary Subject Verb (Object)
Did Mr. Mishima buy a book?
Peter Mangiaracina
Interrogative Clause• An interrogative clause is not a question. It follows the
rules for a clause:
Subject Verb (Object)
• With the addition of a question word (or if) and any other components that go with it:
Subject VerbQuestion Word
Mr. Mishima bought a book
what kind of bookMr. Mishima bought
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Interrogatives with If
• If a yes/no question is asked, there is no question word. The interrogative clause will begin with “if.”
• Did Mark go to the meeting last Friday?I don’t know if he went last Friday.
• Will Simon sing with Garfunkel again?I have no idea if Simon will sing with Garfunkel again.
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Interrogative Clauses in Questions• A question can contain several clauses
• You can only have one question structure (QW + AUX + SUB + VERB)
• All other clauses in a question must take the SUB + VERB form.
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Auxiliary Subject Verb Subject VerbQuestion Word
what kind of bookMr. Mishimabought?Do you know
QUESTION INTERROGATIVE CLAUSE
Peter Mangiaracina
Introductory Main Clauses
• Do you know…/ I (don’t) know…Do you know why Harry went out with Sally?
• I wonder…I wonder if the Yankees will win the world series next year.
• I have no idea…Hey! Don’t ask me. I have no idea what kind of phone your sister bought.
• I’m (not) sure…I’m not sure when the stores open.
• Guess… (when you want to surprise someone with (usually good) newsGuess who’s coming to dinner?
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• These common main clauses will frequently signal an interrogative clause
Peter Mangiaracina
ConclusionWatch your syntax when using interrogative clauses.
Clauses are the building blocks of sentences.
Clauses contain a subject and conjugated verb.
There are main clauses and subordinate clauses.
Interrogative clauses are subordinate clauses; they must be attached to a main clause.
Interrogative clauses start with a question word or “if” followed by a subject and a conjugated verb.
There are several common introductory main clauses that signal interrogative clauses.
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