Asking Questions

Yes/no questions ask for agreement or confirmation and are formed by placing an auxiliary verb before the subject. Intonation also signals a yes/no question in speech.

Wh- questions begin with a question word like what, where, or how and ask for specific details; they follow the same inversion pattern of placing the auxiliary before the subject. Each wh- word targets a different type of information, such as time, place, reason, or manner.

Question tags turn statements into questions by adding a short tag at the end that repeats the auxiliary and switches polarity; they invite the listener to agree or confirm. Positive statements get negative tags and vice versa.

Choice questions offer alternatives and are structured with or between options; they can be asked with rising intonation for each choice or with a final falling intonation. They guide the listener to pick one option.

Question words (also called wh- words) signal the type of information wanted and include who (person), what (thing or action), where (place), when (time), why (reason), how (manner or method), and more specific forms like which. Each serves a distinct function in eliciting details.

Short answers respond to yes/no questions by repeating the auxiliary verb in either a positive or negative form, which makes replies quick and natural; they can include not to show negation. This pattern supports clear and efficient communication.

Intonation changes can turn a statement into a question in speech: rising intonation signals a yes/no question, while wh- questions typically have falling intonation; choice questions may use rises on each option. Intonation guides the listener's expectations.

English asks questions mainly by changing word order to put the auxiliary before the subject, using question words to target information, and applying intonation cues; short answers and tags shape interaction. Practicing these patterns helps make questions clear and natural.