Question Words in English: WH questions
What are the WH question words?
In this lesson, you will learn question words in more detail to have a greater understanding of when and how they are used.
In the English language, there are “Yes/No” questions and “Wh-” questions.
Question words are also called “wh-” questions because these words include the letters ‘W’ and ‘H’.
Wh- questions start with what, when, where, who, whom, which, whose, why and how. You use them to ask for information. The answer cannot be yes or no for those questions.
☞ Where are you from? – Yes, I am. (wrong)
| Example Sentence | Function | Question Word |
|---|---|---|
| What is her name? | asking for information | what |
| -What? I can’t understand you. | asking for repetition or confirmation | what |
| -He did what? | asking for repetition or confirmation | what |
| What did you do that for? | asking for a reason, asking why | what |
| When did she come? | asking about time | when |
| Where do you live? | asking in or at what place or position | where |
| Which book do you want? | asking about choice | which |
| Who opened the window? | asking what or which person or people (subject) | who |
| Whom did you call? | asking what or which person or people (object) | whom |
| -Whose are these shoes? | asking about ownership | whose |
| -Whose turn is it? | asking about ownership | whose |
| Why do you talk like this? | asking for reason, asking what…for | why |
| Why don’t you help me? | making a suggestion | why |
| How does it work? | asking about manner | how |
| How was your exam? | asking about condition or quality | how |
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate 'How Question Words' (e.g., How, How many, How often, How far, How long, How much, How old, etc.) to form meaningful questions:
- __________ many students are there in the classroom?
- Yesterday, we talked about __________ you visit your grandparents.
- Now, let’s discuss __________ you can go to the park.
- The park is not too far; it’s just a short walk away. Can you tell me __________ far it is from here?
- In the evening, we had a conversation about __________ it took for you to finish your homework.
- Your teacher asked you __________ money you have left to buy lunch.
- She was also curious __________ sugar is in a can of soda.
- Finally, we talked about __________ old your grandmother is. She must be quite experienced.”
Item #2
How many students are there in the classroom?
We can use ‘How many’ when we want to find out the quantity of something countable. In this case, we’re interested in the number of students in the classroom.
Yesterday, we talked about how often you visit your grandparents.
‘How often’ is the right choice when you’re curious about the frequency of an action. You can use it to discuss how regularly you visit your grandparents.
Now, let’s discuss how you can go to the park.
‘How’ is a general question word. You can use it to ask about the method or means to do something, like going to the park.
The park is not too far; it’s just a short walk away. Can you tell me how far it is from here?
‘How far’ is useful for questions related to distance. You can use it to ask about the measurement of space between two places.
In the evening, we had a conversation about how long it took for you to finish your homework.
When you’re interested in the length of time for an activity, ‘How long’ is the way to go. You can use it to inquire about the duration of an event.
Your teacher asked you how much money you have left to buy lunch.
‘How much’ is perfect for finding out the quantity of something uncountable, like money. You can use it to discuss the amount you have left for lunch.
She was also curious how much sugar is in a can of soda.
As with money, ‘How much’ can be used to ask about the quantity of uncountable substances. Here, we want to know the sugar content in a can of soda.
Finally, we talked about how old your grandmother is. She must be quite experienced.
When inquiring about age, ‘How old’ is the best choice. You can use it to find out someone’s age or the age of objects.
Now, with your understanding of ‘How Question Words,’ you’re well-equipped to ask a wide range of questions. Practice using these question words to gather information and engage in meaningful conversations!”
Item #3
How Question Words
How – Asking for a way, manner or form. For example: How does it work?, How can I go?
| Function | Example Sentence | How Question Words |
|---|---|---|
| Asking about quantity | How many people were there? | How many |
| Used with countable nouns | How many apples on the table? | How many |
| Asking about frequency | How often do you visit your mother? | How often |
| Asking about distance | How far is gas station from here? | How far |
| Asking about length (time or space) | How long has he slept? | How long |
| Asking about quantity (used with uncountable nouns) | How much money do you have? | How much |
| Asking about quantity (used with uncountable nouns) | How much sugar is in an apple? | How much |
| Asking about age | How old is Queen Elizabeth? | How old |
Fill in the blanks in the following sentences using the correct question word from the table above.
- _______ is the capital of France?
- -I couldn’t hear you clearly. Could you please repeat _______ you said?
- -He did _______? I’m surprised!
- _______ are you going to the store?
- -________ is this book your favorite?
- -________ did you stay at the party?
- _______ opened the door for you?
- _______ did you call when you needed help?
- -________ jacket is this? It’s in my way.
- -________ do you want to visit the museum? Is it because of the art collection?
- -________ don’t you help me carry these bags?
- -________ was your trip to the mountains? Did you enjoy it?
Item #2
- what is the capital of France?
- -I couldn’t hear you clearly. Could you please repeat what you said?
- -He did what ? I’m surprised!
- Where are you going to the store?
- Why- is this book your favorite?
- How long did you stay at the party?
- Who opened the door for you?
- Whom did you call when you needed help?
- –Whose jacket is this? It’s in my way.
- –Why do you want to visit the museum? Is it because of the art collection?
- –Why don’t you help me carry these bags?
- –How was your trip to the mountains? Did you enjoy it?