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Indirect question issue - is this correct?


Paweł

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Hello experts,

I'm not sure about these two constructions:

1) Are you wondering what the major differences between cats and dogs are?
OR 
2) Are you wondering what are the major differences between cats and dogs?

In my opinion only 1) is correct but I'm not sure. Can you help me with this?

Regards,
Paweł

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2 hours ago, Paweł said:

Hello experts,

I'm not sure about these two constructions:

1) Are you wondering what the major differences between cats and dogs are?
OR 
2) Are you wondering what are the major differences between cats and dogs?

In my opinion only 1) is correct but I'm not sure. Can you help me with this?

Regards,
Paweł

I think both of the expressions are grammatically acceptable. They just slightly set another focus. 

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I agree. Both are correct. But (1) is more common. (2) is correct because the answer can be "Such and such are the major differences ..." English uses the same word, "what", to start the clause regardless whether it acts as the object or subject in the clause.

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