Use of “Who am I” and “Who I am?”
I am confused between these two: "Who am I" and "Who I am"
I read this phrase: "Do you know who am I?" - The person was threatening someone.
But what is the main difference in using these?
"Do you know who am I?" or "Do you know who I am?"
Please explain in which case we use what?
meaning differences
asked Aug 9 '13 at 3:45
PorwalPorwal
121116
add a comment |
I am confused between these two: "Who am I" and "Who I am"
I read this phrase: "Do you know who am I?" - The person was threatening someone.
But what is the main difference in using these?
"Do you know who am I?" or "Do you know who I am?"
Please explain in which case we use what?
meaning differences
asked Aug 9 '13 at 3:45
PorwalPorwal
121116
4
You may find English Language Learners useful.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Aug 9 '13 at 3:55
3
The first one would be used by a person suffering from amnesia
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 4:15
add a comment |
I am confused between these two: "Who am I" and "Who I am"
I read this phrase: "Do you know who am I?" - The person was threatening someone.
But what is the main difference in using these?
"Do you know who am I?" or "Do you know who I am?"
Please explain in which case we use what?
meaning differences
asked Aug 9 '13 at 3:45
PorwalPorwal
121116
I am confused between these two: "Who am I" and "Who I am"
I read this phrase: "Do you know who am I?" - The person was threatening someone.
But what is the main difference in using these?
"Do you know who am I?" or "Do you know who I am?"
Please explain in which case we use what?
meaning differences
meaning differences
asked Aug 9 '13 at 3:45
PorwalPorwal
121116
asked Aug 9 '13 at 3:45
PorwalPorwal
121116
asked Aug 9 '13 at 3:45
PorwalPorwal
121116
asked Aug 9 '13 at 3:45
PorwalPorwal
121116
asked Aug 9 '13 at 3:45
PorwalPorwal
121116
121116
4
You may find English Language Learners useful.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Aug 9 '13 at 3:55
3
The first one would be used by a person suffering from amnesia
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 4:15
add a comment |
4
You may find English Language Learners useful.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Aug 9 '13 at 3:55
3
The first one would be used by a person suffering from amnesia
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 4:15
4
4
You may find English Language Learners useful.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Aug 9 '13 at 3:55
You may find English Language Learners useful.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Aug 9 '13 at 3:55
3
3
The first one would be used by a person suffering from amnesia
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 4:15
The first one would be used by a person suffering from amnesia
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 4:15
add a comment |
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
Sitting at the end of the stairs, sobbing, having lost my love, career and self-respect, I say to myself, "Who AM I? What is the purpose of my life?"
See, here it is a question. That's why helping verb (am) is coming before the subject (I).
I ask myself who I am.
Here, it is not a question, a mere narration of what I ask myself. So, it is not ending in question mark, plus, helping verb is after the subject.
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:27
RamitRamit
1,170920
add a comment |
Who am I to question that Sam is who I am?
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:23
Pieter GeerkensPieter Geerkens
2,507816
1
That Sam-i-am, that Sam-i-am
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 5:17
add a comment |
The existential question 'Who am I?' strikes everybody at one stage or the other. But the delusional ones under the cover of their care-takers threaten others with 'Do you know who I am?' And the ones delusional even to the aspect of English grammar say, 'Do you know who am I?'
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:21
RamitRamit
1,170920
2
You should add this to your original answer, it's connected and adds an explanation for the "Do you know who am I?" This type of error is often called 'hypercorrection' You can tag that bit of information too, if you like.
– Mari-Lou A
Aug 9 '13 at 6:06
add a comment |
IMHO, "Who am I?" would be used when you introduce yourself, usually posing the question to the very person/people who you want to introduce yourself to, but immediately following it up with an introduction.
Person A:"Who the heck are you?"
Person B:"Who am I? I am the Supreme Ruler of the Universe."
Also, if you are unfortunate enough to lose your memory, you would be asking yourself(or the people around you) this question!
And, when you ask "Who I am?", the emphasis is on the "I". Thus a person will use it in a situation where he would want to highlight himself. I think its use is mostly rhetorical.
Person B: "How dare you laugh at me? Do you know who I am?"
Person A: "Uhh.. The Supreme Ruler of all the idiots in the Universe."
answered Aug 9 '13 at 5:36
kkaosninjakkaosninja
1844
add a comment |
When people say, ''Who are you?'' you think back and say your name, but ask yourself, '' Who am I?'' don't think of your achievements, think of your habits, your skills, what defines your infinite.
answered May 2 '15 at 1:15
truebeingtruebeing
1
1
Welcome to ELU, truebeing. Perhaps you are making a legitimate existential point, but your answer seems to miss the point of the question.
– ScotM
May 2 '15 at 2:29
add a comment |
Illustrative Example:
Guest: Do you know who I am?
Host: Yes.
Guest: Then who am I?
Host: You are Sir Ericsson.
The phrase, "who I am" is a harsh interrogation which may be used in a furious tone.
and
The phrase "who am I" is a soft question, sometimes posed for self-realisation.
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
113k19243503
answered Sep 2 '16 at 11:14
Tiapo JudeTiapo Jude
1
add a comment |
protected by tchrist♦ Sep 3 '16 at 14:07
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Sitting at the end of the stairs, sobbing, having lost my love, career and self-respect, I say to myself, "Who AM I? What is the purpose of my life?"
See, here it is a question. That's why helping verb (am) is coming before the subject (I).
I ask myself who I am.
Here, it is not a question, a mere narration of what I ask myself. So, it is not ending in question mark, plus, helping verb is after the subject.
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:27
RamitRamit
1,170920
add a comment |
Sitting at the end of the stairs, sobbing, having lost my love, career and self-respect, I say to myself, "Who AM I? What is the purpose of my life?"
See, here it is a question. That's why helping verb (am) is coming before the subject (I).
I ask myself who I am.
Here, it is not a question, a mere narration of what I ask myself. So, it is not ending in question mark, plus, helping verb is after the subject.
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:27
RamitRamit
1,170920
add a comment |
Sitting at the end of the stairs, sobbing, having lost my love, career and self-respect, I say to myself, "Who AM I? What is the purpose of my life?"
See, here it is a question. That's why helping verb (am) is coming before the subject (I).
I ask myself who I am.
Here, it is not a question, a mere narration of what I ask myself. So, it is not ending in question mark, plus, helping verb is after the subject.
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:27
RamitRamit
1,170920
Sitting at the end of the stairs, sobbing, having lost my love, career and self-respect, I say to myself, "Who AM I? What is the purpose of my life?"
See, here it is a question. That's why helping verb (am) is coming before the subject (I).
I ask myself who I am.
Here, it is not a question, a mere narration of what I ask myself. So, it is not ending in question mark, plus, helping verb is after the subject.
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:27
RamitRamit
1,170920
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:27
RamitRamit
1,170920
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:27
RamitRamit
1,170920
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:27
RamitRamit
1,170920
1,170920
add a comment |
add a comment |
Who am I to question that Sam is who I am?
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:23
Pieter GeerkensPieter Geerkens
2,507816
1
That Sam-i-am, that Sam-i-am
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 5:17
add a comment |
Who am I to question that Sam is who I am?
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:23
Pieter GeerkensPieter Geerkens
2,507816
1
That Sam-i-am, that Sam-i-am
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 5:17
add a comment |
Who am I to question that Sam is who I am?
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:23
Pieter GeerkensPieter Geerkens
2,507816
Who am I to question that Sam is who I am?
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:23
Pieter GeerkensPieter Geerkens
2,507816
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:23
Pieter GeerkensPieter Geerkens
2,507816
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:23
Pieter GeerkensPieter Geerkens
2,507816
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:23
Pieter GeerkensPieter Geerkens
2,507816
2,507816
1
That Sam-i-am, that Sam-i-am
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 5:17
add a comment |
1
That Sam-i-am, that Sam-i-am
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 5:17
1
1
That Sam-i-am, that Sam-i-am
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 5:17
That Sam-i-am, that Sam-i-am
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 5:17
add a comment |
The existential question 'Who am I?' strikes everybody at one stage or the other. But the delusional ones under the cover of their care-takers threaten others with 'Do you know who I am?' And the ones delusional even to the aspect of English grammar say, 'Do you know who am I?'
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:21
RamitRamit
1,170920
2
You should add this to your original answer, it's connected and adds an explanation for the "Do you know who am I?" This type of error is often called 'hypercorrection' You can tag that bit of information too, if you like.
– Mari-Lou A
Aug 9 '13 at 6:06
add a comment |
The existential question 'Who am I?' strikes everybody at one stage or the other. But the delusional ones under the cover of their care-takers threaten others with 'Do you know who I am?' And the ones delusional even to the aspect of English grammar say, 'Do you know who am I?'
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:21
RamitRamit
1,170920
2
You should add this to your original answer, it's connected and adds an explanation for the "Do you know who am I?" This type of error is often called 'hypercorrection' You can tag that bit of information too, if you like.
– Mari-Lou A
Aug 9 '13 at 6:06
add a comment |
The existential question 'Who am I?' strikes everybody at one stage or the other. But the delusional ones under the cover of their care-takers threaten others with 'Do you know who I am?' And the ones delusional even to the aspect of English grammar say, 'Do you know who am I?'
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:21
RamitRamit
1,170920
The existential question 'Who am I?' strikes everybody at one stage or the other. But the delusional ones under the cover of their care-takers threaten others with 'Do you know who I am?' And the ones delusional even to the aspect of English grammar say, 'Do you know who am I?'
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:21
RamitRamit
1,170920
edited Aug 9 '13 at 4:30
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:21
RamitRamit
1,170920
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:21
RamitRamit
1,170920
answered Aug 9 '13 at 4:21
RamitRamit
1,170920
1,170920
2
You should add this to your original answer, it's connected and adds an explanation for the "Do you know who am I?" This type of error is often called 'hypercorrection' You can tag that bit of information too, if you like.
– Mari-Lou A
Aug 9 '13 at 6:06
add a comment |
2
You should add this to your original answer, it's connected and adds an explanation for the "Do you know who am I?" This type of error is often called 'hypercorrection' You can tag that bit of information too, if you like.
– Mari-Lou A
Aug 9 '13 at 6:06
2
2
You should add this to your original answer, it's connected and adds an explanation for the "Do you know who am I?" This type of error is often called 'hypercorrection' You can tag that bit of information too, if you like.
– Mari-Lou A
Aug 9 '13 at 6:06
You should add this to your original answer, it's connected and adds an explanation for the "Do you know who am I?" This type of error is often called 'hypercorrection' You can tag that bit of information too, if you like.
– Mari-Lou A
Aug 9 '13 at 6:06
add a comment |
IMHO, "Who am I?" would be used when you introduce yourself, usually posing the question to the very person/people who you want to introduce yourself to, but immediately following it up with an introduction.
Person A:"Who the heck are you?"
Person B:"Who am I? I am the Supreme Ruler of the Universe."
Also, if you are unfortunate enough to lose your memory, you would be asking yourself(or the people around you) this question!
And, when you ask "Who I am?", the emphasis is on the "I". Thus a person will use it in a situation where he would want to highlight himself. I think its use is mostly rhetorical.
Person B: "How dare you laugh at me? Do you know who I am?"
Person A: "Uhh.. The Supreme Ruler of all the idiots in the Universe."
answered Aug 9 '13 at 5:36
kkaosninjakkaosninja
1844
add a comment |
IMHO, "Who am I?" would be used when you introduce yourself, usually posing the question to the very person/people who you want to introduce yourself to, but immediately following it up with an introduction.
Person A:"Who the heck are you?"
Person B:"Who am I? I am the Supreme Ruler of the Universe."
Also, if you are unfortunate enough to lose your memory, you would be asking yourself(or the people around you) this question!
And, when you ask "Who I am?", the emphasis is on the "I". Thus a person will use it in a situation where he would want to highlight himself. I think its use is mostly rhetorical.
Person B: "How dare you laugh at me? Do you know who I am?"
Person A: "Uhh.. The Supreme Ruler of all the idiots in the Universe."
answered Aug 9 '13 at 5:36
kkaosninjakkaosninja
1844
add a comment |
IMHO, "Who am I?" would be used when you introduce yourself, usually posing the question to the very person/people who you want to introduce yourself to, but immediately following it up with an introduction.
Person A:"Who the heck are you?"
Person B:"Who am I? I am the Supreme Ruler of the Universe."
Also, if you are unfortunate enough to lose your memory, you would be asking yourself(or the people around you) this question!
And, when you ask "Who I am?", the emphasis is on the "I". Thus a person will use it in a situation where he would want to highlight himself. I think its use is mostly rhetorical.
Person B: "How dare you laugh at me? Do you know who I am?"
Person A: "Uhh.. The Supreme Ruler of all the idiots in the Universe."
answered Aug 9 '13 at 5:36
kkaosninjakkaosninja
1844
IMHO, "Who am I?" would be used when you introduce yourself, usually posing the question to the very person/people who you want to introduce yourself to, but immediately following it up with an introduction.
Person A:"Who the heck are you?"
Person B:"Who am I? I am the Supreme Ruler of the Universe."
Also, if you are unfortunate enough to lose your memory, you would be asking yourself(or the people around you) this question!
And, when you ask "Who I am?", the emphasis is on the "I". Thus a person will use it in a situation where he would want to highlight himself. I think its use is mostly rhetorical.
Person B: "How dare you laugh at me? Do you know who I am?"
Person A: "Uhh.. The Supreme Ruler of all the idiots in the Universe."
answered Aug 9 '13 at 5:36
kkaosninjakkaosninja
1844
answered Aug 9 '13 at 5:36
kkaosninjakkaosninja
1844
answered Aug 9 '13 at 5:36
kkaosninjakkaosninja
1844
answered Aug 9 '13 at 5:36
kkaosninjakkaosninja
1844
1844
add a comment |
add a comment |
When people say, ''Who are you?'' you think back and say your name, but ask yourself, '' Who am I?'' don't think of your achievements, think of your habits, your skills, what defines your infinite.
answered May 2 '15 at 1:15
truebeingtruebeing
1
1
Welcome to ELU, truebeing. Perhaps you are making a legitimate existential point, but your answer seems to miss the point of the question.
– ScotM
May 2 '15 at 2:29
add a comment |
When people say, ''Who are you?'' you think back and say your name, but ask yourself, '' Who am I?'' don't think of your achievements, think of your habits, your skills, what defines your infinite.
answered May 2 '15 at 1:15
truebeingtruebeing
1
1
Welcome to ELU, truebeing. Perhaps you are making a legitimate existential point, but your answer seems to miss the point of the question.
– ScotM
May 2 '15 at 2:29
add a comment |
When people say, ''Who are you?'' you think back and say your name, but ask yourself, '' Who am I?'' don't think of your achievements, think of your habits, your skills, what defines your infinite.
answered May 2 '15 at 1:15
truebeingtruebeing
1
When people say, ''Who are you?'' you think back and say your name, but ask yourself, '' Who am I?'' don't think of your achievements, think of your habits, your skills, what defines your infinite.
answered May 2 '15 at 1:15
truebeingtruebeing
1
answered May 2 '15 at 1:15
truebeingtruebeing
1
answered May 2 '15 at 1:15
truebeingtruebeing
1
answered May 2 '15 at 1:15
truebeingtruebeing
1
1
1
Welcome to ELU, truebeing. Perhaps you are making a legitimate existential point, but your answer seems to miss the point of the question.
– ScotM
May 2 '15 at 2:29
add a comment |
1
Welcome to ELU, truebeing. Perhaps you are making a legitimate existential point, but your answer seems to miss the point of the question.
– ScotM
May 2 '15 at 2:29
1
1
Welcome to ELU, truebeing. Perhaps you are making a legitimate existential point, but your answer seems to miss the point of the question.
– ScotM
May 2 '15 at 2:29
Welcome to ELU, truebeing. Perhaps you are making a legitimate existential point, but your answer seems to miss the point of the question.
– ScotM
May 2 '15 at 2:29
add a comment |
Illustrative Example:
Guest: Do you know who I am?
Host: Yes.
Guest: Then who am I?
Host: You are Sir Ericsson.
The phrase, "who I am" is a harsh interrogation which may be used in a furious tone.
and
The phrase "who am I" is a soft question, sometimes posed for self-realisation.
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
113k19243503
answered Sep 2 '16 at 11:14
Tiapo JudeTiapo Jude
1
add a comment |
Illustrative Example:
Guest: Do you know who I am?
Host: Yes.
Guest: Then who am I?
Host: You are Sir Ericsson.
The phrase, "who I am" is a harsh interrogation which may be used in a furious tone.
and
The phrase "who am I" is a soft question, sometimes posed for self-realisation.
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
113k19243503
answered Sep 2 '16 at 11:14
Tiapo JudeTiapo Jude
1
add a comment |
Illustrative Example:
Guest: Do you know who I am?
Host: Yes.
Guest: Then who am I?
Host: You are Sir Ericsson.
The phrase, "who I am" is a harsh interrogation which may be used in a furious tone.
and
The phrase "who am I" is a soft question, sometimes posed for self-realisation.
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
113k19243503
answered Sep 2 '16 at 11:14
Tiapo JudeTiapo Jude
1
Illustrative Example:
Guest: Do you know who I am?
Host: Yes.
Guest: Then who am I?
Host: You are Sir Ericsson.
The phrase, "who I am" is a harsh interrogation which may be used in a furious tone.
and
The phrase "who am I" is a soft question, sometimes posed for self-realisation.
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
113k19243503
answered Sep 2 '16 at 11:14
Tiapo JudeTiapo Jude
1
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
113k19243503
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
113k19243503
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
113k19243503
113k19243503
answered Sep 2 '16 at 11:14
Tiapo JudeTiapo Jude
1
answered Sep 2 '16 at 11:14
Tiapo JudeTiapo Jude
1
answered Sep 2 '16 at 11:14
Tiapo JudeTiapo Jude
1
1
add a comment |
add a comment |
protected by tchrist♦ Sep 3 '16 at 14:07
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
4
You may find English Language Learners useful.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Aug 9 '13 at 3:55
3
The first one would be used by a person suffering from amnesia
– mplungjan
Aug 9 '13 at 4:15