Question words, also known as interrogatives, are the words used to ask questions and gather information. They are essential for communication because they help us find out about people, places, things, reasons, and methods. Each question word has a specific purpose and can only be used to ask about certain kinds of information.
- Who
- What
- When
- Where
- Why
- How
Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How are the main question words.
Question words can ask about people, things, time, place, reason, and manner.
Who
Who is used to ask about people—the subject or object in a sentence.
- Used for people only.
- Can be the subject or object of the question.
- Expected answers are usually names or people identifiers.
Examples:
- Who is your teacher? (subject)
- Who did you see at the party? (object)
'Who' asks about people.
'Who' can be used to ask about people as either subject or object.
What
What is used to ask about things, objects, or information.
- Used for things, objects, ideas, or information.
- Can be used for subjects or objects.
- Expected answers can be nouns, noun phrases, or explanations.
Examples:
- What is your favorite color? (thing)
- What did you eat for dinner? (object/information)
'What' is used for things, objects, and information.
When
When is used to ask about time.
- Used exclusively for time-related queries.
- Expected answers are times, dates, days, or time periods.
Examples:
- When is your birthday?
- When do you usually wake up?
'When' asks about time.
Where
Where is used to ask about place or location.
- Used for places or locations.
- Expected answers are locations, places, or directions.
Examples:
- Where do you live?
- Where is the nearest supermarket?
'Where' asks about place or location.
Why
Why is used to ask about reasons or causes.
- Used for asking reasons or explanations.
- Expected answers are reasons, causes, or motives.
Examples:
- Why are you late?
- Why do you like chocolate?
'Why' asks for a reason or cause.
How
How is used to ask about manners, methods, or conditions.
- Used for asking about the way something is done, or the state of something.
- Can also be combined with other words (e.g., How much, How many).
Examples:
- How do you make a cake?
- How are you today?
'How' is used to ask about manner, method, or condition.
Question words are the building blocks of asking for information in English. Each word has a unique purpose that helps clarify the kind of answer expected. Understanding and using question words correctly opens up new possibilities for conversation and comprehension.
- Question words are essential for forming meaningful questions in English.
- Each interrogative targets a specific type of information (people, place, time, reason, etc.).
- Mastery of question words enhances both speaking and listening skills.