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What you usually call a president who is not going to be in power after new election ?

Or

What do you usually call a president who is not going to be in power after new election ?

My perception: here because the answer is not direct object, first one is correct.

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  • A quick tip: To make a question, you invert only the main clause. Sorry, I don't have enough time to write a complete answer. Apr 5, 2014 at 14:34

1 Answer 1

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DO-support is obligatory whenever the term for which WH-word stands is not the subject of the clause and no other auxiliary is employed.

In this case, although what is not a direct object it does act as a complement of the verb call. Consider the answer:

You call him a lame duck.
[SUBJYou] [VERBcall] [COMP 1 him] [COMP 2a lame duck].

There is no other auxiliary in the verb; consequently, you must call in DO-support to form a question:

What do you call ... ?

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