Interrogative sentences in English
Interrogative sentences are sentences that ask a question or seek information. They are used in conversations, interviews, surveys, and various other situations where we need to obtain information from others.
Interrogative sentences typically begin with a verb and use a word order that is different from affirmative or negative statements. There are two main types of interrogative sentences: yes/no questions and wh-questions.
Yes/No Questions:
Yes/no questions are questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” These questions usually begin with an auxiliary verb, such as “do,” “does,” “did,” “will,” “would,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “shall,” or “may.” For example:
- Do you like pizza?
- Does she speak French?
- Did you finish your homework?
- Will it rain tomorrow?
- Would you like some tea?
- Can you swim?
- Should I call you later?
- Shall we go for a walk?
- May I borrow your pen?
Notice how the word order in yes/no questions is different from affirmative statements. In affirmative statements, the subject comes before the verb, but in yes/no questions, the auxiliary verb comes before the subject. Also, note that the main verb in yes/no questions is always in its base form (infinitive).
Wh-Questions:
Wh-questions are questions that begin with words like “what,” “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.” These questions typically require a more detailed answer than yes/no questions. For example:
- What time is it?
- Who is your favorite actor?
- Whom did you invite to the party?
- Whose bike is this?
- Where did you go for vacation?
- When is your birthday?
- Why did you quit your job?
- How do you make a cake?
Notice how the word order in wh-questions is different from both affirmative statements and yes/no questions. Wh-questions begin with a wh-word, followed by an auxiliary verb (if necessary), the subject, and the main verb. Again, the main verb is always in its base form (infinitive).
It’s important to use the correct intonation when asking questions. The rising intonation at the end of the sentence is a signal that you are asking a question. Also, pay attention to the context and the tone of the conversation, as it can affect the meaning and interpretation of the question.
In conclusion, interrogative sentences are an essential part of communication. By mastering the different types of questions and their word order, you can effectively ask for information, clarify doubts, and engage in meaningful conversations with others.
Examples of different interrogative sentences:
- What happened?
- Had you asked for me?
- May I go?
- May i accompany you?
- Are you coming?
- Should I bring it?
- How are you?
- Did you understand?/Understood?
- What do you mean?
- Is the boss in?
- Who is it?
- What’s the matter?
- Where is Danish?
- When did you come?
- Do/shall we begin?
- Will you do one thing?
- Is it a holiday today?
- Do you know?
- Won’t you go?
- What’s the trouble?
- Are you angry?
- How is the family?
- What can I do for you?
- Where are we now?
- What brings you here?
- Has he got a car?
- Have you any business with me?
- Who’s coming?
- what’s the menu for dinner?
- Whose telephone number is this.
- Where shall we meet?
- How have you come back?
- Why have you dropped your studies?
- How is your mother now?
- How do you do?
- Which is the best hotel here?
- Who’s this?
- Where is Sajid?
- What’s the news?
- When shall we meet again?
- How old are you?
- How much did this coat cost you?
- For how long have you been here?
- How long will it take?
- Why do you trouble yourself?
- Why is the road closed?
- What movie is on today?
- What are you looking for?
- Why are you so serious?
- What should I wear in the party tonight?
- Where should I contact you?
- Is there any problem?
- Are you going to be late tonight?
- May I have a dance with you?
- Would you like to join us?
- What should I do now?
- Why don’t you listen to me?
- Which of these two dresses will suit me better?
- Where should I look for him?
- What can I do for you?
- May I use your phone?
- Do you recognize him?
| A | B |
| Am I a fool? Were those your books? Had you gone there? Can I walk for a while? May I come in? |
I am not a fool. Those were your books. You had gone there. I can walk for a while. I may come in. |