Job Discussion Forums

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Hi all, just a simple question, and probably in the wrong forum. Given the following statement, should it end with a period or a question mark? Also could anybody point out anything which is required?

Ask them what they thought of their first year in high school

thanks

KWhitehead · Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:11 am Post subject: grammar

There should be a period at the end. It's in the imperative form, not the interrogative.

Yu · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 1219 Location: Shanghai

I agree.

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Thanks guys, as you can see I am no English majour.

HunanForeignGuy · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 989 Location: Shanghai, PRC

It is indeed the imperative form.

I might render it however as the polite imperative form beginning with : Please ask them...etc,. etc.

ymmv · Joined: 14 Jul 2004 Posts: 387

HunanForeignGuy · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 989 Location: Shanghai, PRC

[/quote]

Easy enough.

Now, punctuate this:

Ask them what did you think of your first year in high school[/quote]

The usage of the comma here is redundant. There is no reason to truncate the usage of now indicating time from the verb that it modifies.

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Ask them. what did? you, think of 'your' #first year in "high school";

What do I win?

Super Frank · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 365

Ask them what?!! Did you think of your first year in High school?!!

ymmv · Joined: 14 Jul 2004 Posts: 387