Why do some people say “We need to know what is it”?

Asked Apr 26 '18 at 10:42

Active Apr 26 '18 at 10:42

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I notice a lot of people—even native speakers sometimes—change the order of certain words when asking a question (e.g., “We don't know what is it”).

As far as I know, it should be “We don't know what it is.”

Is changing the order of certain words, as in the first example (is–it), correct at all?

asked Apr 26 '18 at 10:42

David M. Seitz

1

Personally, I am a native speaker and I’ve never heard another native speaker say “need to know what is it”. It sounds like a strong marker of ESL to my ear. – Dan Bron Apr 26 '18 at 10:47
@DanBron What does ESL mean? Thanks in advance! – Apr 26 '18 at 10:55
@Fabian Someone who is learning *English* as a *Second* *Language*, aka a non-native speaker. – Dan Bron Apr 26 '18 at 10:56
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Possible duplicate of Where does the verb go on this question? Is it even a reported question? {Does she know what it is all about? or Does she know what is it all about? was closed as a duplicate of this.} Of course, 'Does she know – what is it all about?' is acceptable. – Edwin Ashworth Apr 26 '18 at 11:28

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