What is the difference if we use "don't you know enough about it to say?" instead of "..."?

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What is the difference if we use "you don't know enough about it to say?" instead of "don't you know enough about it to say?" ?

Context:

In 2004, the distinguished Gallup organization posed the following question to a statistical sample of Americans: "Do you think that (1) Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is a scientific theory that has been well supported by evidence, or (2) just one of many theories and one that has not been well supported by evidence, or (3) don't you know enough about it to say?" Only one-third of Americans indicated that they believed the theory of evolution was well supported, with the remainder being equally divided between those who argued it had not been well supported and those who just didn't know enough to say.

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Type: Question • Score: 5 • Views: 849 • Replies: 10

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View best answer, chosen by oristarA

@oristarA,

Former is simple insult, second is implied request and better fits

1 Reply

@dalehileman,

dalehileman wrote:

Former is simple insult, second is implied request and better fits

"you don't know enough about it to say" = a form of simple insult?
"don't you know enough about it to say" = an implication of proper request?

2 Replies

@oristarA,

This has nothing to do with insults.

It's a straight choice: Do you agree with (1), (2), or if you don't know, (3).

If you choose (3), you are claiming you don't know enough to say.

Therefore the form of words "you don't know enough to say" makes sense.

1 Reply

@McTag,

Thank you McTag.

Let's see whether Dale will further explain his opinion for us.

1 Reply

@oristarA,

I can't wait.

0 Replies

@oristarA,

Quote:

"you don't know enough about it to say" = a form of simple insult?

Mac was right, it's perfectly okay. I read too fast

Quote:

"don't you know enough about it to say" = an implication of proper request?

Yes, it's asking whether the respondent is confident in his reply but not consistent with (1) and (2) so the statement form is better unless actually soliciting a reply

0 Replies

@oristarA,

"Do you think that,

(1) Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is a scientific theory that has been well supported by evidence,

or

(2)Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is just one of many theories and one that has not been well supported by evidence,

or

(3) don't you know enough about it to say?"

1 Reply

@JTT,

Despite the content of the last two posts, I still contend that "you don't know enough about it to say" is the best form of words for option (3).

"Don't you know enough about it to say?" is a question, and therefore not appropriate here.

2 Replies

@McTag,

McTag wrote:

Despite the content of the last two posts, I still contend that "you don't know enough about it to say" is the best form of words for option (3).

"Don't you know enough about it to say?" is a question, and therefore not appropriate here.

Yeah, "you don't know enough about it to say" looks balanced and most natural to me, while "don't you know enough about it to say" looks tilted and has interrupted the harmony with the previous in the form of expression.

0 Replies

@McTag,

I wasn't plumping for any particular form, McTag. I only laid it out that way for Ori to see.

0 Replies

What is the difference if we use "don't you know enough about it to say?" instead of "..."?

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