Leaving the Question Word in Place

Level 2

A question word can stay where the missing information belongs: You put it where? Such questions can seek new information in Singlish, not merely repeat something in surprise.

How It Works

A question word can stay in the position of the missing information. You put it where? asks about the place, and You want which one? asks which item is wanted. These can be ordinary new-information questions in local speech.

Do not move a question word simply because a Standard English frame would put it first. Both local and shared forms can occur. Keep the missing information identifiable: who asks about a person, where a place, and which one a choice from a set. Tone may make a question surprised, but surprise is not required by this word order.

Examples (4)

  1. You put the keys where?

    Where did you put the keys?

  2. We meet what time?

    At what time shall we meet?

  3. You want which one?

    Which one do you want?

  4. This one for who?

    Who is this one for?

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Leaving the Question Word in PlaceLevel 2

Learn This First

See that local questions can retain statement order before identifying the information slot left open.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.