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
| Sentence | Type |
|---|---|
| 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 Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assertive | States information | She is a teacher. |
| Interrogative | Asks a question | Is she a teacher? |
| Imperative | Gives a command | Open the door. |
| Exclamatory | Expresses emotion | What 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