Grammatical pattern: VERB + somebody + WH-word/whether + INFINITIVE
| example: | I | SHOWED | them | where | to sit. |
| VERB | smby | WH-word | INFINITIVE |
This pattern is a sub-type of the general pattern [VERB + OBJECT + OBJECT]. With this pattern, it is important to note that the action described by the infinitive will potentially be carried out by the “somebody” inserted between the VERB and the WH-word. In the example above, the action of sitting will (probably) be carried out by “them.”
Verbs that follow the pattern [VERB + somebody + WH-word/whether + INFINITIVE]
advise, ask, remind, show, teach, tell
Additional examples of the pattern [VERB + somebody + WH-word/whether + INFINITIVE]
The lawyer advised him what to say if he should be asked that question.
I asked her where to put the package.
Please remind me how to get to your office.
Don’t tell me what to do!
The driving instructor will teach us how to park next week.
Could you show me how to correct this?
I can’t tell you whether to buy it or not; you have to decide for yourself.