Grammar
Questions: Wh questions
1st Part
Yes or No
2nd Part
Wh questions
3rd Part
Direct / Indirect
4th Part
Tag questions
Grammar in use
- Topic : Questions : Wh questions
- Skills : Grammar
Use
What is a Wh question?
A “wh-question” (or “wh-words question”) is a type of question in English that begins with a word that contains :
“wh,” such as “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.”
These questions are used to gather information about specific details, rather than simply asking for a yes or no answer.
Wh-questions usually require more complex responses and explanations from the person being asked.
 a special word order (Verb Subject Object) is used to form yes-no questions.
| Question | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| who | person | Who is your favorite actor? |
| where | place | Where did you go on your last vacation? |
| why | reason | Why did you choose this university to study at? |
| when | time | When is your birthday? |
| how | manner | How did you learn to play the guitar? |
| what | object, idea or action | What is your favorite book? |
| which | choice | Which color do you prefer, blue or green? |
| whose | possession | Whose car is parked outside? |
| whom | object of the verb | Whom did you invite to the party? |
| what kind | description | What kind of food do you enjoy eating? |
| what time | time | What time does the movie start? |
| how many | quantity (countable) | How many siblings do you have? |
| how much | amount, price (uncountable) | How much does this shirt cost? |
| how long | duration, length | How long have you been living in this city? |
| how often | frequency | How often do you read books? |
| how far | distance | How far is the nearest gas station? |
| how old | age | How old is your brother? |
| how come | reason | How come you’re not going to the concert tonight? |
How to make Wh questions?
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| If you ask about the subject of the sentence, just add the question word at the beginning: | The concert starts at 7 pm. → What time does the concert start? |
| If you ask about the predicate of the sentence (the part of a sentence which contains the verb and gives information about the subject), there are three options: | You are going to the store. → Are you going to the store? The movie starts at 7 pm. → Does the movie start at 7 pm? They have already left. → Have they already left? She should call her mother. → Should she call her mother? |
Guidelines for constructing questions in English:
| 1. Start with an auxiliary verb or question word: To form a question in English, begin with an auxiliary verb (such as “do,” “does,” “did,” “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “will,” “can,” etc.) or a question word (such as “what,” “who,” “where,” “when,” “why,” “which,” or “how”). |
| 2. Invert the subject and auxiliary verb: If you’re using an auxiliary verb, invert the subject and auxiliary verb. For example, “She is singing” becomes “Is she singing?” or “They have finished” becomes “Have they finished?” |
| 3. Add a question mark: Always end a question with a question mark (?). |
| 4. Use rising intonation: When speaking, use a rising intonation at the end of the question to indicate that you are asking a question. |
| 5. Avoid using double negatives: Avoid using double negatives when forming a question. For example, instead of asking “Don’t you have any money?” ask “Do you have any money?” |
| 6. Be clear and concise: Try to ask questions that are clear and concise. Use simple language and avoid using unnecessary words. |