Question words in English are interrogative words used to ask questions. They are also known as wh-words because many of them start with the letters "wh." These question words help gather specific information about people, things, places, time, reason, and manner.
Who is used to inquire about people or identities.
- Who is your best friend?
What is used to inquire about things, actions, events, or ideas.
- What is your favorite color?
Where is used to ask about places or locations.
- Where did you go on vacation?
When is used to ask about time or occasions.
- When is your birthday?
Why is used to inquire about reasons or purposes.
- Why did you choose that university?
How is used to ask about the manner, method, or condition of something.
- How do you solve this math problem?
Which is used to inquire about specific items or choices among alternatives.
- Which book do you want to read?
Whose is used to ask about possession or ownership.
- Whose car is parked outside?
Rules for Usage:
1. Position in a Sentence:
Question words usually appear at the beginning of a sentence, followed by the auxiliary verb or the main verb.
- Where did you go? (not: You went where?)
2. Subject-Verb Agreement:
The verb in the sentence should agree with the subject, not the question word.
- What are you doing? (not: What is you doing?)
3. Directness:
Question words are used to ask direct questions, seeking specific information.
- Why are you late?