Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

ShoHiro · Joined: 22 Oct 2005 Posts: 65 Location: Japan

Hello teachers,

I would like to ask what interogative word you use when you ask the underlined part in the following sentences:

(1) a. The meat is raw.
b. The book is unread.
c. She is barefoot.
d. His shirt was slung over his shoulder.

Which interogative word do you use? ((2a) is corresponding to (1a), (2b) to (1b), (2c) to (1c), and (2d) to (1d))

(2) a. How is the meat? / What is the meat?
b. How is the book? / What is the book?
c. How is she? / What is she?
d. How was his shirt? / What was his shirt?

Sincerely,
ShoHiro

Philo Kevetch · Joined: 01 Feb 2006 Posts: 564

Hello Sho Hiro -

From reading your other post, it seems you are working very hard to understand the usage of 'How' and "What'.

English is quite a challenge and I admire your efforts.

Have you tried 'Essential Grammar In Use' by Raymond Murphy, or Michael Swans' 'Basic English Usage' to practice? They are very clear and easy texts to practice these types of usage.

Where did you find these examples? Did you make them or are they from a book or test?

1- How is the meat? The meat is raw.
What is the meat? It is beef.

2- How is the book? The book is unread.
What is the book? It is a math book.

3- How is she? She is barefoot.
What is she? She is a dancer.

4- How was his shirt? His shirt was slung over his shoulder.
What was his shirt? It was a blue Polo shirt.

Do you read stories in English? Study = good.....study + use = best

Keep up the good work. Philo

ShoHiro · Joined: 22 Oct 2005 Posts: 65 Location: Japan

Hello Philo,

Thank you very much for answering my questions, and excuse me for posting a reply very late.

I am addressing what the predication is and what the modification is. When you ask something by using interrogative words, what words you use is a key to this issue. So, I asked such a question. Actually, I was told that such a question is not appropriate in this site. But I have no other means. Excuse me.

Best wishes,

ShoHiro

Philo Kevetch · Joined: 01 Feb 2006 Posts: 564

Thank you for your reply....no need to worry about being late.

If you need more help regarding this point, may I suggest that you direct your post to of one of the forum grammarians by posting their name in the thread title.

Why would your questions be 'not appropriate in this site'??
When someone answers you, I'll be sure to learn something new and so will others.

Keep up the good work!! Philo