Correct Usage: 'What Does Your Brother Do' vs 'What Your Brother Does'

Understanding the correct usage of interrogative sentences is crucial for effective communication in English. This article will explore the correct phrasing for asking about someone's occupation using examples like 'What does your brother do' and 'What your brother does'. We'll also discuss the differences and similarities between these phrases and provide guidance on how to use them properly.

Interrogative Sentences in English

In English, an interrogative sentence is a question that seeks information. The correct form of an interrogative sentence should start with an interrogative word or phrase (such as 'what', 'where', 'when', 'why', or 'how') and end with a question mark. In this context, we are dealing with the interrogative word 'what' to ask about a person's profession or activities.

Correct Form: 'What Does Your Brother Do'

The correct form to ask about your brother's job or activities is: 'What does your brother do?'

For example:

What does your brother do?

This is a complete question that is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts. Here, the subject 'your brother' is connected to the verb 'does' through the auxiliary verb 'does', making it a proper interrogative sentence.

Incorrect Form: 'What Your Brother Does'

The phrase 'What your brother does' is not a complete question and can only be used in statements, not as a standalone question. It lacks the auxiliary verb 'does' that is necessary to make the sentence a proper interrogative sentence. Here’s how it looks in a statement:

I'm not sure what your brother does.

In this context, the phrase 'what your brother does' is only a part of a longer statement and is not a standalone question that can stand alone.

Grammatical Considerations

Both 'What does your brother do' and 'What your brother does' can be used, but they serve different purposes. The first form is grammatically correct and should be used when asking a question. The second form is a clause that needs further context to make it a complete sentence. Here's an example:

What your brother does is truly amazing.

In this sentence, 'What your brother does' is a clause that needs to be followed by additional context to form a complete sentence. The use of 'is' here makes it a complete sentence.

Usage in Different Contexts

The phrase 'What does your brother do' is useful in various scenarios, such as:

When you genuinely want to know about someone's occupation or activities. In formal or informal conversations where you're seeking information. For questions in emails or written correspondence.

On the other hand, 'What your brother does' is typically used:

In a broader statement to provide context. As part of a sentence that requires additional information to be fully understood. In casual conversations where the information is supplementary to the main point.

Conclusion

To summarize, the correct form for asking about your brother's occupation or activities is 'What does your brother do?'. This is a complete question that is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. The phrase 'What your brother does', while understandable in certain contexts, is not a standalone question and requires additional information to be a complete sentence.

By mastering these correct question forms, you can improve your communication skills and ensure that your questions are clear and concise in both written and spoken English.