In this lesson, you will learn question words in more detail to have a greater understanding of when and how they are used.
In the English language, there are “Yes/No” questions and “Wh-” questions.
Question words are also called “wh-” questions because these words include the letters ‘W’ and ‘H’.
Wh- questions start with what, when, where, who, whom, which, whose, why and how. You use them to ask for information. The answer cannot be yes or no for those questions.
☞ Where are you from? – Yes, I am. (wrong)
| Question Word | Function | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| what | asking for information about something | What is her name? |
| asking for repetition or confirmation | -What? I can’t understand you. -He did what? | |
| what…for | asking for a reason, asking why | What did you do that for? |
| when | asking about time | When did she come? |
| where | asking in or at what place or position | Where do you live? |
| which | asking about choice | Which book do you want? |
| who | asking what or which person or people (subject) | Who opened the window? |
| whom | asking what or which person or people (object) | Whom did you call? |
| whose | asking about ownership | -Whose are these shoes? -Whose turn is it? |
| why | asking for reason, asking what…for | Why do you talk like this? |
| why don’t | making a suggestion | Why don’t you help me? |
| how | asking about manner | How does it work? |
| asking about condition or quality | How was your exam? |
How – Asking for a way, manner or form. For example: How does it work?, How can I go?
| Function | Example Sentence | |
|---|---|---|
| How many | Asking about quantity | How many people were there? |
| Used with countable nouns | How many apples on the table? | |
| How often | asking about frequency | How often do you visit your mother? |
| How far | asking about distance | How far is gas station from here? |
| How long | asking about length (time or space) | How long has he slept? |
| How much | asking about quantity |
used with uncountable nouns
How much sugar is in an apple?
You can also download free Question Word Practice Booklet PDF down below. Question Words Practice Booklet
