Sentence structure. Can you tell me where the library is?

[DenisaN]

Hello,
Can you tell me, if there is any difference between these two questions?

Can you tell me where the library is?
Can you tell me where is the library?

Are they both correct?

Thank you for your responses

 

[Tdol]

Re: Sentence structure

The first is correct- don't use the second. The first is called an embedded question as the question is can you tell me, so the rest does not follow the word order of a question.

 

[PaulMatthews]

Re: Sentence structure

[1] Can you tell me where the library is?

[2] Can you tell me where is the library?

[1] without subject-auxiliary inversion is the norm.

But some varieties of English (mainly in the USA, I believe) allow subordinate interrogatives with subject-auxiliary inversion in contexts of strong question-orientation, so you may also hear [2].

If in doubt, stick with [1].

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Re: Sentence structure

[1] Can you tell me where the library is?

[2] Can you tell me where is the library?

[1] without subject-auxiliary inversion is the norm.

But some varieties of English (mainly in the USA, I believe) allow subordinate interrogatives with subject-auxiliary inversion in contexts of strong question-orientation, so you may also hear [2].

If in doubt, stick with [1].

Yes. To be exact: An American might (ungrammatically) say, "Can you tell me where's the library?" — but where is is not as likely.

Denisa, use #1. It's correct. The other is not.

 

[Rover_KE]

Please note that I have changed your thread title.

Extract from the Posting Guidelines:

'Thread titles should include all or part of the word/phrase being discussed.'