Known as 'Wh questions' are essential when formulating questions in English. These questions are very important because they help to obtain detailed and specific information about different aspects such as time, place, reason, among others. In addition, they are essential in everyday conversations to obtain more complete answers than a simple yes or no.
A common feature of these questions is their structure. Each of them begins with an interrogative pronoun or adverb ('Wh') generally followed by an auxiliary verb, subject and the main verb. Although there are exceptions depending on the verb, as we will see later.
'Wh questions': When
'When' translates as 'when' and is used to ask about the time or a specific occasion when something happens or is going to happen. It is used when you want to know specific dates or times.
- When is your birthday? - When is your birthday?
- When do the shops open? – When do the shops open?
- When did the accident happen? – When did the accident happen?
It is important to keep grammatical structure in mind when asking questions with 'When'. Whenever we use verbs other than 'to be', we must use an auxiliary such as 'do' or 'does'.
'Wh questions': Where
'Where' translates as 'where' and is used to find out where something happens, or to ask about specific locations.
- Where were you born? – Where were you born?
- Where are my shoes? - Where are my shoes?
- En donde Vives? - Where do you live?
- Where did he buy the tickets? – Where did he buy the tickets?
The structure is similar to the previous case: auxiliary (if necessary), followed by the verb and subject.
'Wh questions': Why
'Why' means 'because' and is used to get an explanation or reason for something. This question seeks detailed answers about the motives behind an action or event.
- Why does he complain all the time? – Why does he complain all the time?
- Why is it so expensive? – Why is it so expensive?
- Why didn't you tell me?
'Wh questions': How
'How' does not start with 'Wh', but it also belongs to this group of questions. It means 'as' and is used to describe the way in which an action is performed.
- How do you cook lasagna?
- How can he learn English quickly? – How can he learn English quickly?
- How do you go to the disco?
However, 'How' has more uses. It can be used to ask about the quantity or price of something. This is where we use 'How much' o 'How many', making a distinction between countable and uncountable nouns.
'How much' is used for uncountable nouns:
- How much time do you have to finish the test? – How much time do you have to finish the exam?
- How much money will I need? – How much money will I need?
'How many' It is used for countable nouns:
- How many people live in that city? – How many people live in that city?
- How many brothers and sisters have you got? – How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Other uses include:
- How far – to ask about distances.
- How often – to ask about the frequency of an activity.
'Wh questions': Which
'Which' translates as 'which' or 'which' and is used when we are choosing between two or more specific options.
- Which colour do you prefer, red or green?
- Which is better, this or that?
Sometimes we may see 'Which' followed by a name. For example:
- Which day do you prefer for the meeting?
- Which bus did you take? – Which bus did you take?
This type of formation indicates that we are choosing between several clearly established options.
'Wh question': What
Finally, 'What' means 'that' and is used to ask questions in a general or abstract way, i.e. without being limited to specific options. 'What' and 'Which' can often be confused, but the key difference is that 'Which' is used when there are predetermined options, whereas 'What' is used more broadly.
- What did you tell her yesterday? – What did you tell her yesterday?
- What is the tallest building in the world?
We can also see 'What' followed by a name for more specific questions:
- What colour are his eyes? – What colour are his eyes?
These questions allow us to obtain very detailed information on a variety of topics, from concrete facts to opinions and preferences.
By using 'Wh questions' correctly, we can ask precise questions that help us get detailed answers, promoting better understanding and fluency in English communication. By learning and practicing these questions, you will be better prepared to handle everyday conversations and respond with greater confidence.