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sjk1128
Joined: 04 Feb 2005
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 Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:42 pm Post subject: Help with my student's question, please! |
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One of my students asked me about the following problem, and I need some help giving him an answer:
How do you get there? I know how to get there. = I know how one gets there.
What do you do for that? I know what to do. = I know what one should do for that.
Where do you go for that? I know where to go. = I know where one goes for that.
When do you go for that? I know when to go. = I know when one goes for that.
Why do you go there? I know why to go. = I know why one goes there.
"I know why to go" is incorrect, at least in American English. We avoid it because it sounds wrong. I think the explanation for this has something to do with logic, not grammar, but I can�t find or think of a clear rule or explanation for my students. To add even more confusion, �I know why to avoid this structure,� sounds okay to my N American ear, and we use the sentence in question to add emphasis and express sarcasm: �I know why to go� �cause if you don�t, I�m gonna kick your butt!�
Also, the same problem occurs in the negative:
I don�t know how to go (�so I should ask someone for directions.)
I don�t know what to do (�so I need some advice.)
I don�t know where to go (� to have that spot removed from my favorite shorts)
I don�t know when to go (�because I don�t know when the store is open)
I don�t know why to go. ( NOPE! --> I don�t know why I should go. or I don't know the reason to go.)
Can anybody explain this and give me a clear rule I can pass on to my student?
Thanks! |
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Underwaterbob
Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Location: In Cognito
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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It doesn't look wrong to me. Are you sure it's incorrect?
EDIT: Though it is awkward. That's my usual explanation for something seemingly grammatically correct but instinctively wrong. |
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Yu_Bum_suk
Joined: 25 Dec 2004
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:46 pm Post subject: |
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| There's nothing wrong with it. |
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Moonera
Joined: 23 Jun 2008
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:56 pm Post subject: |
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| I agree with YBS. Both "I know why to go." and "I don't know why to go." sound fine to me. BTW I'm North American too. |
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sjk1128
Joined: 04 Feb 2005
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject: |
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It may be correct. I called a couple of people in the US to ask them if it sounds wrong, and they said yes. I've been in Korea so long at this point that it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish what "sounds wrong" from what "sounds right." The problem (if there is one) only happens if the information is impersonal, I think:
How does anbody get to Haeundae from Seomyeon in Busan?
I know how to go. Take the Hwanyeong tunnel.
Where does anyone buy deodorant in this country?
I know where to buy it, but only in the summer.
Why does anyone go to a sauna?
I know why to go. It relaxes you.
The last one still feels wrong as a resonse to an impersonal question. I would answe instead, "I know why people go." or maybe "I know the reason." |
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westport
Joined: 04 Apr 2008
Location: Suwon
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:44 pm Post subject: |
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It sounds wrong to my Scottish ear, but i've no idea why.
"Why does anyone go to a sauna?
I know why to go. It relaxes you. "
I think i would simply answer "I know why. It relaxes you." |
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withnail
Joined: 13 Oct 2008
Location: Seoul, South Korea.
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:01 pm Post subject: |
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| it's ok but known in the profession as an "infelicity of style" or in the vernacular - doesn't sound good! |
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Straphanger
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Location: Chilgok, Korea
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:25 pm Post subject: Re: Help with my student's question, please! |
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| sjk1128 wrote: |
One of my students asked me about the following problem, and I need some help giving him an answer:
How do you get there? I know how to get there. = I know how one gets there.
Can anybody explain this and give me a clear rule I can pass on to my student?
Thanks! |
Here's a "rule of thumb" (though not a rule per se): When you are asked a question conversationally, and your response is in the affirmative, eliminate the verb from the question in your response.
How do I get to Gate Four? I know how.
Why do you want to go to the Busan? I know why.
Where is the E-mart? I know where.
Etc.
In the negative, the response is simply "I don't know." |
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blackjack
Joined: 04 Jan 2006
Location: anyang
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:52 pm Post subject: Re: Help with my student's question, please! |
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| Straphanger wrote: |
| sjk1128 wrote: |
One of my students asked me about the following problem, and I need some help giving him an answer:
How do you get there? I know how to get there. = I know how one gets there.
Can anybody explain this and give me a clear rule I can pass on to my student?
Thanks! |
Here's a "rule of thumb" (though not a rule per se): When you are asked a question conversationally, and your response is in the affirmative, eliminate the verb from the question in your response.
How do I get to Gate Four? I know how.
Why do you want to go to the Busan? I know why.
Where is the E-mart? I know where.
Etc.
In the negative, the response is simply "I don't know." |
Sorry mate but are you an english teacher? The first question is asking how to get to gate four, it's not asking if you know. The second question is asking why you are going to Busan not if you know why and the third is the same as the second. |
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Straphanger
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Location: Chilgok, Korea
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| Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:40 pm Post subject: Re: Help with my student's question, please! |
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| blackjack wrote: |
| Straphanger wrote: |
| sjk1128 wrote: |
One of my students asked me about the following problem, and I need some help giving him an answer:
How do you get there? I know how to get there. = I know how one gets there.
Can anybody explain this and give me a clear rule I can pass on to my student?
Thanks! |
Here's a "rule of thumb" (though not a rule per se): When you are asked a question conversationally, and your response is in the affirmative, eliminate the verb from the question in your response.
How do I get to Gate Four? I know how.
Why do you want to go to the Busan? I know why.
Where is the E-mart? I know where.
Etc.
In the negative, the response is simply "I don't know." |
Sorry mate but are you an english teacher? The first question is asking how to get to gate four, it's not asking if you know. The second question is asking why you are going to Busan not if you know why and the third is the same as the second. |
Oops, I was gonna put "How do I get to the Costco?" in there, but I didn't want two stores, so I erased it and put "Busan" and didn't proofread because I was between classes.
The E-Mart is correct as written.
I was using those as examples that followed the general pattern of the OP. Sorry for trying to help. No good deed ever goes unpunished, especially here at the 'cafe. |
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