Beginner3 min readSentence & Transformation

Interrogative Sentence

Learn what an interrogative sentence is, its types, structure, examples, rules, and common mistakes with this beginner-friendly English grammar lesson.

Interrogative Sentence

An Interrogative Sentence is a sentence that asks a question. It is used to obtain information, confirmation, or clarification.

An interrogative sentence always ends with a question mark (?).

Examples

  • What is your name?
  • Where do you live?
  • Are you a student?
  • Did they win the match?
  • Why are you late?

Types of Interrogative Sentences

1. Yes/No Questions

These questions can be answered with Yes or No.

Examples

  • Are you happy?
  • Do you like coffee?
  • Can she swim?
  • Have they arrived?

2. Wh-Questions

These questions begin with a Wh-word and require more than a Yes or No answer.

Common question words:

  • What
  • Who
  • Whom
  • Whose
  • Which
  • When
  • Where
  • Why
  • How

Examples

  • What is your name?
  • Where do you live?
  • Why are you smiling?
  • How does this machine work?

3. Choice Questions

These questions ask someone to choose between two or more options.

Examples

  • Would you like tea or coffee?
  • Which do you prefer, summer or winter?

4. Tag Questions

Tag questions are short questions added to the end of a statement to confirm information.

Examples

  • You are a student, aren't you?
  • She can drive, can't she?
  • They didn't come, did they?

Structure

Yes/No Question

Helping Verb + Subject + Main Verb + Object?

Examples:

  • Do you play football?
  • Is she at home?
  • Can they swim?

Wh-Question

Wh-word + Helping Verb + Subject + Main Verb + Object?

Examples:

  • Where do you live?
  • Why are they laughing?
  • When will the train arrive?

Characteristics of an Interrogative Sentence

  • Asks a question.
  • Ends with a question mark (?).
  • Often begins with a helping verb or a question word.
  • Used to request information or confirmation.

Examples

SentenceType
Do you speak English?Yes/No Question
What is your favorite subject?Wh-Question
Tea or coffee?Choice Question
You know him, don't you?Tag Question

Interrogative vs Other Sentence Types

Sentence TypePurposeExample
AssertiveStates informationShe is a teacher.
InterrogativeAsks a questionIs she a teacher?
ImperativeGives a commandOpen the door.
ExclamatoryExpresses emotionWhat a beautiful flower!

Rules

  • Begin with a capital letter.
  • End with a question mark (?).
  • Use the correct helping verb before the subject in most questions.
  • Use question words correctly in Wh-questions.
  • Maintain correct subject-verb agreement.

Common Mistakes

❌ Where you are going?

✅ Where are you going?


❌ What your name is?

✅ What is your name?


❌ Do she like music?

✅ Does she like music?


Quick Quiz

1. Which is an interrogative sentence?

A. She is my friend.

B. Please sit down.

C. Where do you live?

D. What a lovely day!

Answer: C


2. Which punctuation mark ends an interrogative sentence?

A. .

B. ,

C. !

D. ?

Answer: D


3. Which is a Yes/No question?

A. Why are you crying?

B. Where do you work?

C. Do you play cricket?

D. Which book is yours?

Answer: C


Summary

  • An Interrogative Sentence asks a question.
  • It always ends with a question mark (?).
  • The four common types are:
    • Yes/No Questions
    • Wh-Questions
    • Choice Questions
    • Tag Questions
  • Interrogative sentences are used to ask for information, confirmation, or clarification.

Next Lessons

  • Assertive Sentence
  • Imperative Sentence
  • Exclamatory Sentence
  • Optative Sentence
  • Types of Sentences