Wh questions are used to ask for specific information in English. There are two main types of questions: Yes/No questions and Wh questions. Wh questions begin with question words and help speakers get details about people, places, time, reasons, methods, and quantities.
Wh Questions in English
Wh words, also called interrogative words, are used to form questions. Common Wh words include what, when, where, who, whom, whose, which, why, and how. Most of them begin with Wh, which is why they are called Wh words.
General Structure of Wh Questions
Wh-word + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb + … ?
What Questions
Asking about a thing or information.
- What is your name?
- What is this?
- What is your favorite color?
- What do you do?
When Questions
Asking about the time of an event or activity.
- When did he leave?
- When can I see you again?
- When does Tom arrive?
- When do you wake up every day?
Where Questions
Asking about a place.
- Where do you live?
- Where were the keys?
- Where can I obtain the book?
- Where did you learn to cook?
Who Questions
Asking about a person (acts as the subject of the sentence).
- Who is at the door?
- Who is this?
- Who locked the door?
- Who told you that?
Whom Questions
Asking about a person (acts as the object of the sentence).
- Whom did you see?
- Whom did you meet at the party?
- Whom would you suggest for the job?
- Whom did they invite?
Which Questions
Asking about a specific option or choice.
- Which color do you want?
- Which author do you enjoy?
- Which book are you looking for?
- Which option is better for you?
Whose Questions
Asking about ownership.
- Whose turn is it to deal?
- Whose keys are on the kitchen counter?
- Whose book is on the table?
- Whose idea is it?
Why Questions
Asking for a reason.
- Why do you say that?
- Why did Alex leave?
- Why are they always late?
- Why do you dislike him so much?
How Questions
Asking about method, condition, quantity, distance, frequency, or duration.
- How does this work?
- How was your exam?
- How can I help you?
How many
Asking about quantity (countable nouns).
- How many cars are there?
- How many people live in this city?
How much
Asking about quantity or price (uncountable nouns).
- How much money do you have?
- How much did you pay for the tickets?
How long
Asking about duration or length of time.
- How long will you be in Japan?
- How long have you been married?
How far
Asking about distance.
- How far does the road continue?
- How far is it to Shinjuku?
How often
Asking about frequency.
- How often do you use the bus?
- How often do you go to church?
Last Updated on January 23, 2026
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