Does this belong to anyone?

[thomas615]

Teacher, is there any difference between these two questions?

Question:
1) Does this belong to anyone?

2) Who does this belong to?

It is mine.
It is hers.
It is ours

 

[5jj]

Teacher, is there any difference between these two questions?
1) Does this belong to anyone?

2) Who does this belong to?

Yes. In #2, the speaker is assuming that 'this' does belong to someone in, or known to, the group addressed. The speaker is not assuming this in #1.

 

[tzfujimino]

Interesting.:-D