Interrogative Sentences: Sentence Structure

In English, interrogative sentences are those that ask questions. They are an essential part of communication, allowing us to seek information, clarification, or confirmation. Interrogative sentences typically begin with a question word (who, what, where, when, why, how) or an auxiliary verb (is, are, do, does, can, will) followed by the subject and main verb.

Components of Interrogative Sentences:

1. Question Words: These words are used to introduce questions and seek specific information. Common question words include:
   • a. Who: Used to inquire about a person or people.
   • b. What: Used to ask about things or actions.
   • c. Where: Used to inquire about a place or location.
   • d. When: Used to ask about time or timing.
   • e. Why: Used to seek reasons or explanations.
   • f. How: Used to ask about the manner or method.
2. Auxiliary Verbs: In interrogative sentences, auxiliary verbs (also known as helping verbs) precede the subject to form questions. The choice of auxiliary verb depends on the tense of the sentence. Examples of auxiliary verbs include:
   • a. Is, are, am
   • b. Do, does, did
   • c. Can, could
   • d. Will, would
   • e. Shall, should
   • f. May, might
   • g. Have, has, had
3. Subject-Verb Inversion: In most interrogative sentences, the subject and auxiliary verb are inverted, meaning the auxiliary verb comes before the subject. This inversion distinguishes interrogative sentences from declarative sentences (statements).

Examples of Interrogative Sentences:

1. Using Question Words:
   • a. Who is coming to the party tonight?
   • b. What are you cooking for dinner?
   • c. Where did you go on your last vacation?
   • d. When is the next train scheduled to arrive?
   • e. Why did you choose this university?
   • f. How do you solve this math problem?
2. Using Auxiliary Verbs:
   • 1. Is she attending the meeting tomorrow?
   • 2. Do they like to watch movies on weekends?
   • 3. Can you speak French fluently?
   • 4. Will he finish his homework on time?
   • 5. Should I bring anything to the potluck dinner?
   • 6. Have you ever traveled abroad?

Exercises : 

• Exercise 2: Interrogative Sentences | Practice Test Online
• Exercise 3: Interrogative Sentences | Practice Test Online

Remember, when forming interrogative sentences, pay attention to word order, and ensure proper subject-verb agreement. Practicing the formation of questions will improve your communication skills and enable you to engage effectively in conversations.