If I want ask my classmate at what exact time did he come to class, which question is correct? I don't want to use "When". "At what time did you come here?" or "What time did you come here?"
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2Why do you not want to use "when"? "When did you get here?" would be the most natural phrasing.– Hot LicksJan 9, 2016 at 2:52
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1I would use arrive or get, since come (like go) can refer to a duration. The two verbs I've suggested are punctiliar in nature. As for including at or not, it is optional.– Arm the good guys in AmericaFeb 6, 2017 at 14:22
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1This question would probably be better on ELL and it has already been asked there.– NoneMay 23, 2017 at 6:39
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4 Answers
Since the question 'What time did you come?' gives the answer 'I came at one o'clock', grammatically, the preposition 'at' should be in question form.
Thus, 'At what time...?' is OK and from a prescriptive grammatical standpoint is correct, but most people say 'What time...?'.
Full correct grammar:
At what time did you come? 'I came at one (o'clock)' or 'At one (o'clock).'
Short version:
What time did you come? 'One'.
"What time did you arrive at class today?" would be clear and direct. Whether your classmate responds with a precise answer is another matter!
answered Jan 8, 2016 at 20:24
So, we can say What time are you coming here? Or At what are you coming here? Both seem correct, but I would prefer the fist one.
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2We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Please explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.– NVZ ♦May 23, 2017 at 5:49
Without a reason of doubt the question and answer grammatically to the following are:
Ques. At what time will you come to meet me? Ans. I will come at 2 p.m.
One cannot answer: I will come 2 p.m. The question in this case should begin with At and the answer will and has to be ... at 2 p.m.
Revert if a query exists.
