Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring

Students' problems page 2 of  8

Patterns associated with report structures

Many students have difficulty in using appropriate patterns with report structures, especially those associated with wh-questions:

"But I don't know what's your name?" she replied. (TeleNex Students)

I don't know where will she go. (TeleNex Students)

In each of these examples, the student has confused the form of the underlying question with the report structure. Here are the correct versions:

"But I don't know what your name is." she replied.

I don't know where she will go.

For further information about wh-questions with thinking verbs, see 04conten.gif (549 bytes) Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Using verb patterns to represent thoughts and beliefs (p 6).

06studpr.gif (552 bytes) Introduction
square.gif (58 bytes) Patterns associated with report structures
06studpr.gif (552 bytes) Problems associated with the that clause
06studpr.gif (552 bytes) Choosing between to-infinitive and the -ing form
06studpr.gif (552 bytes) Inappropriate use of distancing devices
06studpr.gif (552 bytes) Problems with the order of participants
06studpr.gif (552 bytes) Metaphorical meanings
06studpr.gif (552 bytes) Problems with wish and hope