What is the function of を in the sentence:

```

    あなたは何をしていますか?
    
```

Why can't it be written without it, like:

```

    あなたは何していますか?
    
```
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-13T17:16:35.620
38447
2016-08-13T17:58:56.313
17459
question
particle-を questions
The meaning of を in あなたは何をしていますか?
'[を](http://jisho.org/search/%E3%82%92)' is a particle that is used mainly as
an _object particle_ to

> indicate a **direct object** of action.

Therefore, it needs to be used as you are asking what the object of _doing_ is
in the question.

> I am doing my homework.

could be translated to

> [宿題]{しゅくだい} **を** しています.

In formal Japanese, it is better not to omit 'を' in the sentence.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-13T17:58:56.313
38449
2016-08-13T17:58:56.313
12259
38447
answer