In the English language, there are a variety of question words which can go at the beginning of a sentence, for example who, when, what or why. These words are an integral part of the English language and as a student of the language, it is important that you have a good knowledge of them.
In this section, we are going to look at question words in more detail to gain a greater understanding of when and how they are used.
Question Words
Definition and Functions
Question words are specific words that we use to ask about various aspects of information. They help determine who, what, where, when, why, and how something happened. Each question word has a unique function. For example, “who” asks about a person, while “where” asks about a place.
These words are essential in everyday communication. They clarify details, gather facts, and prompt discussions. Without them, conversations would be limited and less informative. Question words encourage curiosity and critical thinking, making them vital in education, journalism, and everyday conversations.
Types of Questions
There are different types of questions that use question words. Open-ended questions allow for detailed responses. For example, “What did you do yesterday?” and “How did you solve the problem?” These questions invite explanations and stories.
Closed-ended questions usually lead to short answers, often “yes” or “no.” For example, “Did you finish your homework?” or “Is it raining outside?” These questions are useful for getting specific information quickly.
Both types of questions are important. Open-ended questions encourage discussion and deeper thought, while closed-ended questions are useful for confirming facts and getting concise answers.
Common Question Words
Who Questions
- Ask about person
- Act as subject of the sentence
- Example: Who is that woman?
Whom Questions
- Ask about person
- Act as the object of the sentence
- Example: Whom did you see?
Whose Questions
- Asking about ownership
- Example: Whose are these keys?
Where Questions
- Asking in or at what place or position
- Examples:
Where do you live?
Where are my boots?
When Questions
- Asking about time, occasion, moment
- Examples:
When did you last see him?
When can I see you?
Why Questions
- Asking for a reason, explanation
- Examples:
Why were you late?
Why was he late?
Why don’t
- Making a suggestion
- Example: Why don’t you take a nap?
What Questions
- Asking for a specific thing, object
- Examples:
What‘s the matter?
What time is it?
What kind of music do you like?
What…for
- Asking for a reason, asking why
- Example: What did you do that for?
Which Questions
- Asking about choice
- Examples:
Which is better exercise – swimming or tennis?
Which of the applicants has got the job?
How Questions
“How questions” is used for asking for a way, manner, form
Examples:
How does it work?
How do you go to school?
List of how questions in English with rules and examples.
How much Questions
- Asking about quantity or price
- Used with uncountable nouns
- Example: How much are those earrings?
How many Questions
- Asking about quantity
- Used with countable nouns
- Example: How many people were there?
How often Questions
- Asking about frequency
- Example: How often do you go swimming?
How far Questions
- Asking about distance
- Example: How far is it from your house to your school?
How old Questions
- Asking about age
- Example: How old are you?
