Questions with question words
Definition
Wh-questions ask for specific information rather than a yes/no answer. Common question words include who, what, where, when, why, which, whose, and how.
Examples
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Where do you live?
Where asks for a place, and do forms the present simple question.
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Why did Maya leave early?
Why asks for a reason, and the main verb stays in the base form after did.
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Who called Leo?
Who is the subject, so no form of do is added.
Object question vs. subject question
Who did Maya call?
Maya performed the action, and who asks about the person who received it.
Who called Maya?
Who asks about the person who performed the action.
Object questions usually need an auxiliary before the subject. Subject questions normally keep statement word order.
How combines with adjectives, adverbs, and quantities
How can stand alone or combine with another word to ask about manner, degree, age, distance, frequency, duration, or quantity.
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How long have you lived here?
How long asks about duration.
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How many tickets do we need?
How many asks about a countable quantity.
Common mistakes
Where you live?
Where do you live?
A present simple object or adverbial question normally requires do-support.
Why did Maya left early?
Why did Maya leave early?
After did, use the base form of the main verb.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which question correctly asks about a place?
Use where + does + subject + base verb.Which sentence is a subject question?
Who performs the action opened, so no auxiliary is added.Which phrase asks about duration?
How long asks about duration or length.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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