Wh- Questions helps you communicate about questions about people, things, places, times, reasons and manner. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can ask for specific information with appropriate wh-words and auxiliaries.
- Recognise and build the form: wh-word + auxiliary + subject + base verb.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Wh- Questions for questions about people, things, places, times, reasons and manner. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
Where do you live?
Use 'Where' to ask about a place.
When is your birthday?
Use 'When' to ask about a time or date.
Why did you leave early?
Use 'Why' to ask for a reason.
wh-word + auxiliary + subject + base verbKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use 'Where' to ask about a place.
- Use 'When' to ask about a time or date.
- Use 'Why' to ask for a reason.
- Use 'What' to ask for information or meaning.
- Use 'How' to ask about condition or manner.
Common mistakes
Not:When do you live?
Use:Where do you live?
Use 'Where' to ask about a place.
Not:Where is your birthday?
Use:When is your birthday?
Use 'When' to ask about a time or date.
Not:Where did you leave early?
Use:Why did you leave early?
Use 'Why' to ask for a reason.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
____ does this word mean?
What
Use 'What' to ask for information or meaning.
____ are you feeling today?
How
Use 'How' to ask about condition or manner.
____ book do you prefer, the red one or the blue one?
Which
Use 'Which' when choosing from a limited known set.