Demanding Explanations

Can you tell me why it has taken you so long to respond?

Use 'Can you tell me why' a full clause in the positive statement form (S V O). Notice that this is an indirect question and requires a question mark (?).

I don't understand why it has taken you so long to respond.

Use 'I don't understand why' a full clause in the positive statement form (S V O). Notice that this is a statement and does NOT require a question mark (?)

Can you explain why it has taken you so long to respond?

Use 'Can you explain why' a full clause in the positive statement form (S V O). Notice that this is an indirect question and requires a question mark (?).

Why is it that it has taken you so long to respond?

Use 'Why is it that' a full clause in the positive statement form (S V O). Notice that this is an indirect question and requires a question mark (?).

How come it has taken you so long to respond?

Use 'How come' a full clause in the positive statement form (S V O). Notice that this is an indirect question and requires a question mark (?).

Does this mean (that) it has taken you so long to respond?

Use 'Does this mean (that)' a full clause in the positive statement form (S V O). Notice that this is an indirect question and requires a question mark (?).

Do you (really) expect me to belive (that) you weren't able to finish on time?

Use 'Do you (really) expect me to belive (that)' a full clause in the positive statement form (S V O). Notice that this is an indirect question and requires a question mark (?).