In this guide to WH-Questions, we explore the essential elements of these question forms, which begin with words like who, what, where, when, why, and how. We cover the definition and list of WH-question words, their structure, and how to form them with or without auxiliary verbs. The guide also explains how to use WH-questions in various tenses and in indirect speech. By studying numerous examples, tips, and common mistakes to avoid, you will gain a deeper understanding of WH-questions and improve your ability to use them effectively. The section on practice exercises helps solidify your learning.
WH-Questions are questions that begin with a "wh-" word, such as "what," "where," "when," "who," "why," and "how." These questions are used to gather specific information, as opposed to yes/no questions, which typically require a simple affirmative or negative answer.
Oxford English Dictionary: WH-Questions are a type of open-ended question that is used to ask for specific details about a subject. These questions begin with words like who, what, where, when, why, and how, and they typically prompt more elaborate responses.
Cambridge Dictionary: A WH-question is a question that starts with one of the words "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," or "how." These questions seek detailed or specific information about a topic.
Merriam-Webster: WH-Questions are questions that begin with an interrogative word, such as "what" or "how," which are used to request particular information.
WH-questions typically begin with a WH-word (who, what, where, when, why, how), and in most cases, they are followed by an auxiliary verb (do/does/did, for example). However, there are some instances when WH-questions can be formed **without auxiliary verbs**. This generally occurs in the following situations:
1. **With verbs of being (am, is, are, was, were):**
In these questions, the verb "is" or "was" directly follows the WH-word without the need for an auxiliary verb.
2. **With modal verbs (can, could, will, would, etc.):**
Here, the WH-word is followed by the modal verb, and no auxiliary verb is needed.
3. **In direct speech or informal contexts:**
**Key Points:**
WH-questions are questions that begin with a "WH" word (like who, what, where, when, why, how) and are used to gather information. They can be formed in various tenses depending on the time or situation you are referring to. Here’s how WH-questions work in different tenses:
1. Present Simple Tense: Use the base form of the verb.
2. Present Continuous Tense: Use the verb "to be" (am/are/is) and the verb in its -ing form.
3. Present Perfect Tense: Use the auxiliary verb "have" or "has" with the past participle of the main verb.
4. Past Simple Tense: Use the past form of the verb.
5. Past Continuous Tense: Use the verb "to be" (was/were) and the verb in its -ing form.
6. Past Perfect Tense: Use "had" with the past participle of the verb.
7. Future Simple Tense: Use "will" with the base form of the verb.
8. Future Continuous Tense: Use "will be" and the verb in its -ing form.
9. Future Perfect Tense: Use "will have" with the past participle of the verb.
| Tense | Example WH-Question |
|---|---|
| Present Simple | What do you like? |
| Present Continuous | Where are you going? |
| Present Perfect | How long have you lived here? |
| Past Simple | When did you arrive? |
| Past Continuous | What were you watching? |
| Past Perfect | Why had she left? |
| Future Simple | When will he come? |
| Future Continuous | What will you be doing tomorrow? |
| Future Perfect | How long will you have worked by 5? |
WH-questions in indirect speech are reported using certain changes in word order and pronouns. The basic structure changes from direct to indirect speech, and you typically remove the question mark while converting the sentence.
WH-questions are questions that begin with words like who, what, where, when, why, which, how. These words are used to gather specific information.
Here are some examples of WH-questions in English:
WH-questions are used to gather specific information in English. They begin with one of the WH-words: **who, what, where, when, why, which, and how**. Here's a breakdown of tips for using WH-questions effectively:
1. Choose the Right WH-Word:
2. Use the Correct Word Order: - The basic structure of a WH-question is: **WH-word + auxiliary verb (do/does/did) + subject + main verb.**
- Example:
3. Omit the Auxiliary in Simple Questions:- If the WH-question starts with **who**, **what**, or **which**, and it's the subject of the sentence, the auxiliary verb is not needed.
- Example:
4. Follow-up Questions for Clarification:- WH-questions can be used in follow-up questions for further clarification.
Example:
5. Be Mindful of Tense:- Depending on the tense of the sentence, you may need to adjust the auxiliary verb.
6. Use "How" for Multiple Purposes:- "How" can be used for asking about manner (e.g., *How are you?*), condition (e.g., *How is the weather?*), and process (e.g., *How do you make this?*).
7. Adding Prepositions to WH-Questions:- When asking about places or locations, you can sometimes use prepositions at the end of the question.
Example:
8. Practice with Real-Life Scenarios:- Use WH-questions in conversations to get used to how they sound naturally.
- Example:
When forming WH-questions in English, there are several common mistakes that learners often make. Here are some of those mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Incorrect Word Order: Placing the subject before the verb in a WH-question.
Tip: In WH-questions, the auxiliary verb (is, are, do, etc.) should come before the subject, except in questions with "who" as the subject.
2. Omitting Auxiliary Verbs: Not using the auxiliary verb in questions where it is needed.
Tip: Always use an auxiliary verb (do, does, did, is, are, etc.) when forming a WH-question unless the question word is the subject.
3. Using the Wrong WH-Word: Using the wrong WH-word for the situation.
Tip: Use the correct WH-word based on the information you're asking for (e.g., "What" for objects or events, "Where" for places, "How" for methods, etc.).
4. Confusing "Who" and "Whom": Using "who" instead of "whom" in formal English.
Tip: "Who" is typically used for the subject of the sentence, and "whom" is used for the object. However, "whom" is rarely used in everyday conversation.
5. Using "There" in the Wrong Position: Placing "there" incorrectly in a question.
Tip: When asking about the existence or location of something, the verb "is" (or other forms of "to be") should come before "there."
6. Double Negative: Using a double negative in a WH-question.
Tip: Avoid double negatives in English. Use "anybody" or "no one" instead.
7. Omitting Articles with Countable Nouns: Forgetting to use articles (a, an, the) with countable nouns in questions.
Tip: Remember to use articles for singular, countable nouns (e.g., "What a book," "What the book," depending on context).
Here are some practice exercises for WH-questions:
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct WH-question word (who, what, where, when, why, how)
Exercise 2: Change the following statements into WH-questions
Exercise 3: Choose the correct WH-question word
Exercise 4: Answer the questions