What are Question Words (Wh-)?
Question words, also called wh-questions, are used to ask for specific information rather than yes/no answers. The seven main question words are who, what, where, when, why, how, and which. Each one targets a different type of information.
Question words (wh-words) are used to ask open-ended questions that require specific information: who (person), what (thing), where (place), when (time), why (reason), how (manner), which (choice).
- •Who
- •What
- •Where
- •When
- •Why
- •How
- •Person
- •Thing/Idea
- •Place
- •Time
- •Reason
- •Manner/Method
Step-by-step worked examples
Who ate the cake?
Subject: Who Expected answer: A person's name Example: 'Tom ate the cake.'
Where do you live?
Subject: Where Expected answer: A place Example: 'I live in London.'
Why are you late?
Subject: Why Expected answer: A reason Example: 'Because I missed the bus.'
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Which question word asks for a person?
Q2.What question word would you use to ask about the time?
Q3.'Where do you work?' — What information is being asked?
Q4.Wh-questions are used for…
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Common mistakes
Using 'what' to ask about a person. — Correct: Use 'who' for people; 'what' for things.
'How much' vs 'how many' — confusing them. — Correct: Use 'how many' for countable nouns; 'how much' for uncountables.
Forgetting to use question word order (V-S inversion). — Correct: E.g., 'Where do you live?' not 'Where you live?'
Using 'where' when 'which' is more specific. — Correct: 'Which city?' is more precise than 'where city?'
FAQ
What are question words?
Question words (wh-words) are used to ask open-ended questions that seek specific information like person, place, time, reason, or manner.
What are the seven main question words?
Who, what, where, when, why, how, and which.
Difference between 'who' and 'whom'?
'Who' is the subject; 'whom' is the object. Example: 'Who called?' vs 'Whom did you call?'
When do you use wh-questions?
Use wh-questions when you need specific information beyond a yes/no answer.