Question Form - Wh Questions

[Pages:2]Question Form - `Wh' Questions

`Wh' questions are used when asking for specific information and are a key part of daily communication. Here we look at a variety of `wh' question forms and how to use them.

`Wh' questions are formed with a question word - what, who, whom, whose, which, when, where, why, or how. They differ from yes/no questions in that the answer requires further explanation than a simple yes or no.

`Who' is used for a person. For example:

`Who did John ask?' `Who was chosen for the position?' `Who do you think will win the award?' `Who was the founder of the company?'

`Whose' is used for ownership. For example:

`Whose turn is it to take the minutes?' `Whose idea was it?' `Whose desk can I use?' `Whose car is blocking the fire escape?'

`What' is used for a thing or object. For example:

`What's in that room?' `What did John think of the proposal?' `What are your thoughts on the report?' `What were the facilities like in the hotel?' `What is on today's agenda?'

`Why' is used for a reason. For example:

`Why were you late for the meeting?' `Why do you think it's a bad idea?' `Why is the office door locked?' `Why was the meeting cancelled?'

`Which' is used for a choice. For example:

`Which airline will you use?' `Which day is better for you?' `Which days are you able to attend?'

Where is used for a place / location. For example:

`Where are you from?' `Where is the meeting room?' `Where did you work before joining the company?'

When/what is used for time. For example:

`When do you start work?' `When do the new regulations come into effect?' `What time does John finish the meeting?' `What time does the deliveryman arrive?' `When did you go to the office?' `What time did he leave the office?'

How is used for a way or amount. For example:

`How do you spell your surname?' `How often do you visit the factory in Dongguan?' `How do you manage to keep costs so low?' `How much profit wise do you expect to make this year?' `How many extra people will you employ over the holiday season?' `How are you able to keep fit if you work so many hours per week?'

Tip - Common mistake with where + do/are

A common mistake made by non-native speakers involves the confusion of `do' and `are' when asking `wh' questions. For example:

`Where are you come from?' (incorrect)

This is a common error in that the speaker has mixed up two questions:

`Where do you come from?' (correct) `Where are you from?' (correct)

In the first question, you can see that `do' is an auxiliary/helping verb:

Do you like? Do you go? Etc. - Do is used with all verbs except for the verb be.

In the second question, you can see that the auxiliary verb `are' is a form of the verb `be', therefore `do' is not required.

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