Interrogative Sentence Examples

We continue to question things all our lives. So, we have a lot of questions in our heads. We develop inquiry sentences to gain new knowledge, eliminate misunderstanding, and define a subject we are interested in. An interrogative statement begins with a direct question and concludes with a question mark.

Interrogative sentences, like other statements in English, must have a subject and a verb, and the word order is frequently adjusted to place the verb prior to the subject.

An interrogative statement poses a direct question and is accompanied by a question mark. It is one of the four basic sentence patterns, and it is extremely useful. Can you picture your existence without questions?

Interrogative sentences enable you to obtain information, clarify misunderstandings, and engage in fascinating discussions with others. It is also important in writings as an organizational strategy; for example, in expository write-ups, one can put up questions as headings and then answer them to specify an idea in more detail.

Forming an Open-Ended Interrogative Sentence

Like other full sentences in English, an interrogative statement must have a subject and a verb. However, in this case, the word order is frequently reversed, with the verb coming before the subject.

As an instance:

Where is the timetable?

The subject of this phrase is "timetable," and the verb is "is." In a direct query, the verb appears prior to the subject.

In English, an open-ended question typically starts with a "question word":

who
whom
what
when
where
why
which
how

So begin your open-ended questioning phrases with a questioning word, then proceed with the verbs and subjects. Consider the following samples to get a sense of how this works in practice:

What is the proper method for ironing a jersey?
When are the ideal weekdays to go shopping?
Where is your little puppy?
Why is the soil brown?
How are you doing presently?

Since the subject is unclear in some circumstances, the question word itself functions as the subject of the phrase ? in fact, responding to the question will serve the subject. As an instance:

Who is the finest Professional Baseball shortstop?
To whom shall we submit the medical reports?
Whose stockings are these?
Which is the preferred route to get to the clown show?

An interrogative statement frequently necessitates the use of a supporting verb. In these circumstances, the subject is placed between the aiding verb and the main verb.

As an example:

Why did Suzan get up so early?

The subject "Suzan" is wedged between the helping verb "did" and the primary verb "get-up " in this sentence. This frequently occurs in direct questions:

Who received the last brownie?
Why was he so unhappy the day before?
Where did I forget my vehicle?

Interrogatives of Other Kinds

There are some other sorts of interrogative sentences besides the open-ended interrogative statements discussed above.

Questions with Yes/No Answers

These questions are intended to be addressed easily with an affirmative or negative response. They begin with a verb or auxiliary verb accompanied by the subject. As an example:

Are your boots on?
Did you drink milk yet?
Was the film entertaining?
Did the boys arrive at class on time?
Were you too early?

Alternative Interrogatives

These are "or" questions intended to provide one or more choices in regard to the inquiry. They, too, start with a verb or an assisting verb.

As an example:

Would you prefer biscuits or a muffin for dessert?
Is she enraged or simply exhausted?
Should I go to the office or stay somewhat longer, in your opinion?
Is the puppy all right, or should we take him to the neurologist?
Will you be arriving soon, or must I eat alone?

Tag Questions

Tag queries are put at the conclusion of declarative sentences. A declarative sentence makes a claim and uses the regular subject-verb word chronology, however, may include a small question separated by a comma to make it an interrogative section. Tag questions typically require confirmation. For instance:

He's an outstanding flutist, isn't he?
Clean up the dishes, won't you?
There's no snack in your backpack, is there?
You're a pretty girl, aren't you?
You believe you're so clever, don't you?

Indirect Questions

Interrogative sentences, if open-ended or not, always ask direct inquiries. This is distinct from indirect questions, which are declarative phrases that describe a question that was posed in another context. As an example:

He asked if I was still interested in viewing the concert.

The word "if" introduces the indirect inquiry included in this declarative sentence. This sentence's goal is to indicate that he inquired about anything.

It is not to inquire, "Do you still desire to attend the exhibition?"

I was thinking about buying you supper.

When you require an answer to a question, ask it straightforwardly in your writing or speaking rather than making an indirect query like this. While your intention is clearly apparent, your sentence is a little rambling and not really an interrogative sentence.

Be Straightforward

To avoid ambiguity, start a question using a questioning word or verb and conclude it using a question mark to ensure you've formed an interrogative statement. These clear questions will bring you to the answers you want in the simplest way possible.