hinat
Do all these sentences sound natural? 1. I don’t understand why it is funny. 2. I don’t understand how it is funny. 3. I don’t understand what is funny about it.
Nov 18, 2024 12:00 PM
Answers · 10
1
No. If you're going to contract "I do not" into "I don't", then you should also contract "it is" to "it's", and contract "what is" to "what's". Now we're getting closer to natural phrases. But still, they could be improved. Native speakers are less likely to use the word "understand" in such phrases, unless speaking in a stern formal capacity. Here are some examples of phrases more natural in common casual speech, at least in the UK: "I don't see what's so funny about it." "I don't get why you think it's so funny."
Nov 18, 2024 6:05 PM
1
Yes, they sound natural to me. You might consider adding a modal verb, but this is not necessary: "I don't understand what would be funny about it."
Nov 19, 2024 11:32 AM
1
To sound more colloquial just replace "understand" with the word "get". "Get" in this situation means "understand". Just know that you will hear both versions in English. Have a good day!
Nov 19, 2024 2:58 AM
1
Yes!
Nov 18, 2024 12:12 PM
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Nov 19, 2024 5:27 AM
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