Interrogative pronouns are words used to ask questions in English. They are used to inquire about the identity, characteristics, location, time, reason, and manner of the subject or object of a sentence. The main English interrogative pronouns are “what,” “which,” “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.” Each of these pronouns has a specific usage and meaning, which will be explained in detail below.
What
The interrogative pronoun “what” is used to ask about the identity or nature of something. It can be used to ask about a thing, an object, or an action. For example:
What is your name?
What is your favorite color?
What did you eat for breakfast?
In each of these examples, “what” is used to ask about the identity of something. The first example asks about the identity of the person being addressed, while the second example asks about the nature of their preferences. The third example asks about the action the person performed.
Which
The interrogative pronoun “which” is used to ask about a choice between two or more options. It is used when the options are known and specific. For example:
Which shirt do you prefer, the red one or the blue one?
Which movie do you want to see, the comedy or the drama?
Which book did you borrow from the library?
In each of these examples, “which” is used to ask about a choice between specific options.
Who
The interrogative pronoun “who” is used to ask about the identity of a person or people. It can be used to ask about someone’s name, job, nationality, or other identifying characteristics. For example:
Who is your best friend?
Who is the president of the United States?
Who are those people over there?
In each of these examples, “who” is used to ask about the identity of a person or group of people.
Whom
The interrogative pronoun “whom” is used to ask about the object of a verb or preposition. It is often used in formal English, and is not as commonly used in spoken English. For example:
Whom did you give the gift to?
With whom are you going to the party?
To whom it may concern:
In each of these examples, “whom” is used to ask about the object of a verb or preposition.
Whose
The interrogative pronoun “whose” is used to ask about possession. It is used to ask about the owner of something, or to whom something belongs. For example:
Whose car is parked outside?
Whose turn is it to do the dishes?
Whose idea was it to go on this trip?
In each of these examples, “whose” is used to ask about possession.
Where
The interrogative pronoun “where” is used to ask about location or place. It is used to ask about the position or direction of something. For example:
Where is the bathroom?
Where are you going on vacation?
Where did you put the keys?
In each of these examples, “where” is used to ask about the location or place of something.
When
The interrogative pronoun “when” is used to ask about time or duration. It is used to ask about the specific time or date of an event, or about the duration of an action. For example:
When is your birthday?
When did you arrive in the city?
When will the concert start?
In each of these examples, “when” is used to ask about the time or duration of something.
Why
The interrogative pronoun “why” is used to ask about the reason or cause of something. It is used to ask for an explanation or justification for an action or event. For example:
Why did you quit your job?
Why did you choose that restaurant?
Why is the sky blue?
In each of these examples, “why” is used to ask about the reason or cause of something.
How
The interrogative pronoun “how” is used to ask about the manner or method of doing something. It is used to ask about the way something is done, or about the extent or degree of something. For example:
How do you make a cake?
How long have you been studying English?
How much does it cost to rent an apartment?
In each of these examples, “how” is used to ask about the manner or method of doing something, or about the extent or degree of something.
Conclusion
Interrogative pronouns are important tools for asking questions in English. By using these pronouns, speakers can ask about the identity, characteristics, location, time, reason, and manner of a subject or object. Each interrogative pronoun has a specific meaning and usage, which can be learned and practiced through conversation and study. By mastering these pronouns, English learners can become more proficient in asking questions and communicating effectively in English.
Originally posted 2023-07-17 17:26:40.