Grammar: Wh-questions

Wh- questions ask for information and start with question words beginning with wh-, such as which, what, who, whom, whose, when, where, and why, although how is also included in this group. 

Forming Wh-questions

To form wh questions in present simple we use ‘wh’ + an auxiliary verb (am/is/are/do/does) + subject + the infinitive:

Note: In the questions the auxiliary "Do" is used with plural subjects (I, you, we, they) and "Does" with singular subjects (he, she, it).

If who, what, or which is the subject of the question, it comes before the verb and we don’t use "do" as an auxiliary.

 

How to use them

who

We use who to ask about people:

  • Who is your boss?
  • Who does your dad work with?
what

We use what to ask about things:

  • What do you like about your job?
  • What is your favorite day?
why

We use why to ask reasons:

  • Why do you like your job?
  • Why are you tired?

Note: We use because to give the reason for something. For example: I like my job because I can meet a lot of people.

when

We use when to ask about time:

  • When do you have work?
  • When is your birthday?
where

We use where to ask about a place:

  • Where does your mom work?
  • Where is your boss?
which

We use which to make comparisons, make a choice, or when there are a limited number of options:

  • Which days do you go to work?
  • Which is your favorite day, Monday or Friday?
how

We use how to ask for more details:

  • How do you go to work?
  • How often do you go to work?

Practice 1

It is time to show how much you have learned!

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Practice 2

Organize the words in the correct order.

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