Interrogative Sentences: How to Form Questions in English

What is an Interrogative Sentence?

An interrogative sentence is a type of sentence that asks a question. Its primary function is to elicit information from the reader or listener. Interrogative sentences are typically characterised by their structure, which often includes the use of question words (like who, what, where, when, why) or auxiliary verbs (such as is, are, do, does). They end with a question mark (?).

Key Points about Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative sentences play a crucial role in communication by initiating the exchange of information and promoting interaction.

• Purpose: To request information or clarification.

• Structure: They usually start with a question word or an auxiliary verb followed by the subject.

• Examples:

• "What time does the meeting start?"

• "Are you coming to the party?"

• "Where did you go last weekend?"

Types of Interrogative Sentences and Their Examples

Interrogative sentences are used to ask questions and can be categorised into several types based on their structure and purpose. Here are the main types:

1. Yes/No Questions: These questions are designed to elicit a simple "yes" or "no" response. They usually begin with an auxiliary verb (e.g., is, are, do, does, will).

• Examples:

• "Are you coming to the meeting?"

• "Did she finish her homework?"

2. Wh- Questions: These questions begin with a "wh" word (e.g., who, what, where, when, why) and are used to gather specific information.

• Examples:

• "What time is the event?"

• "Where did you put the keys?"

3. Choice Questions: These questions offer two or more options, allowing the respondent to choose between them.

• Examples:

• "Would you like coffee or tea?"

• "Should we go to the beach or the park?"

4. Tag Questions: These are statements turned into questions by adding a short question tag at the end. They often seek confirmation.

• Examples:

• "You're coming to the party, aren't you?"

• "It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?"

5. Indirect Questions: These are questions embedded within a statement or another question, often used to be more polite or formal.

• Examples:

• "Could you tell me where the nearest bank is?"

• "I wonder if she knows the answer."

Points to Remember when using Interrogative Sentences:

These are some essential tips for constructing interrogative sentences:

• Begin the sentence with an auxiliary verb, a modal verb, or a 'Wh' question word, starting with a capital letter.

• Conclude the sentence with a question mark, which helps identify it as an interrogative sentence.

• The structure of an interrogative sentence typically mirrors that of a declarative sentence but in reverse. Generally, it follows this pattern: Auxiliary Verb/Modal Verb/Main Verb + Subject + Main Verb (if applicable) + the rest of the sentence.

Usage of Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative sentences are essential for effective communication. Here are some of their primary uses:

1. Seeking Information: They are used to obtain specific information or details. For example, "What time does the meeting start?"

2. Clarification: They help clarify or confirm something that is not clear. For instance, "Did you mean the report is due tomorrow?"

3. Engaging in Conversation: They initiate or maintain a conversation by prompting a response. For example, "How was your weekend?"

4. Expressing Curiosity: They reflect curiosity or interest in a subject. For instance, "Why did you choose this course?"

5. Requesting Confirmation: They are used to confirm or verify information. For example, "Are you coming to the party tonight?"

6. Seeking Opinions: They solicit opinions or preferences. For instance, "What do you think of the new policy?"

7. Testing Knowledge: They assess knowledge or understanding. For example, "Can you explain the theory behind this experiment?"

Examples of Interrogative Sentences

Understanding how interrogative sentences function can improve your ability to ask clear and effective questions. Here are some examples to illustrate different types of interrogative sentences:

1. Yes/No Questions:

• "Are you coming to the party tonight?"

• "Did you finish your homework?"

2. Wh- Questions:

• "What time does the train arrive?"

• "Where did you buy that dress?"

3. Choice Questions:

• "Would you like coffee or tea?"

• "Should we go to the beach or the park?"

4. Tag Questions:

• "You're joining us for dinner, aren't you?"

• "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

5. Alternative Questions:

• "Do you prefer apples or oranges?"

• "Will you be attending the meeting or working from home?"

Review your Learning of Interrogative Sentences

Exercise 1: Identify the Type

Instructions: Identify the type of each interrogative sentence (Yes/No, Wh-, Choice, Tag, or Alternative).

1. "Can you help me with this problem?"

2. "What is your favourite subject in school?"

3. "Would you like to go to the zoo or the aquarium?"

4. "You finished the project, didn’t you?"

5. "Do you want coffee or tea with your breakfast?"

Exercise 2: Forming Questions

Instructions: Convert the following statements into interrogative sentences.

1. "She is attending the seminar tomorrow."

2. "They have finished their assignment."

3. "John wants to buy a new laptop."

4. "The movie starts at 7 PM."

5. "You have visited Paris before."

Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes

Instructions: Correct the errors in the following interrogative sentences.

1. "What time does the train arrive?"

2. "Are you coming to the party?"

3. "Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla ice cream?"

4. "He is studying in the library, isn't he?"

5. "Where did she go yesterday?"

Exercise 4: Complete the Sentences

Instructions: Fill in the blanks to complete the interrogative sentences.

1. "______ you want to join us for dinner?"

2. "______ are you planning to travel this summer?"

3. "______ the meeting scheduled for 10 AM?"

4. "______ you rather go hiking or camping?"

5. "______ she knows the answer to the question?"

Exercise 5: Create Your Questions

Instructions: Write your interrogative sentences for each type mentioned below.

1. Yes/No Question

2. Wh- Question

3. Choice Question

4. Tag Question

5. Alternative Question

Find Out if You Got them All Right From the Answers Below.

Exercise 1:

1. Yes/No Question

2. Wh- Question

3. Choice Question

4. Tag Question

5. Alternative Question

Exercise 2:

1. "Is she attending the seminar tomorrow?"

2. "Have they finished their assignment?"

3. "Does John want to buy a new laptop?"

4. "Does the movie start at 7 PM?"

5. "Have you visited Paris before?"

Exercise 3:

1. "What time does the train arrive?"

2. "Are you coming to the party?"

3. "Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla ice cream?"

4. "He is studying in the library, isn't he?"

5. "Where did she go yesterday?

Exercise 4:

1. "Do"

2. "Where"

3. "Is"

4. "Would"

5. "Does"

Exercise 5:

1. Yes/No Question: "Did you enjoy the concert last night?"

2. Wh- Question: "How did you learn to play the guitar?"

3. Choice Question: "Do you want to see a movie or go bowling?"

4. Tag Question: "You’re coming to the party, aren’t you?"

5. Alternative Question: "Will you be attending the conference or the workshop?"

Takeaways on This Page:

Interrogative sentences are crucial for asking questions and obtaining information. They come in several types, each serving a different purpose: Yes/No questions seek simple affirmative or negative responses, while Wh- questions begin with words like "What," "Where," "When," "Why," and "How" to gather specific details. Choice and Alternative questions offer options, asking respondents to select from them, whereas Tag questions, appended to statements, seek confirmation or clarification. Structurally, interrogative sentences often start with an auxiliary or modal verb, or a Wh- question word, followed by the subject and main verb, and end with a question mark.