Wh-questions: more details • 25
A question word can be subject, object, complement or adverbial. Who can be subject or object.
Who told you? (subject)
Who did you tell? (object)
Question words: more details • 26
A question word can also be a determiner.
What/Which day are they coming?
The choice of what or which depends on the number of possible answers.
We can use how on its own or before an adjective or adverb.
How did you find out?
How far is it to Newcastle?
We can modify a question word.
Why exactly do you need this information?
OVERVIEW: question words • 27 Question phrases • 28
We can form question phrases with what and how.
What time is your train?
How much does it cost?
Answering questions • 29 Most answers to questions can be just a word or phrase.
What are you writing? -A letter to Kate.
We often use a short answer with yes or no.
Have you written the letter? Yes, I have. Negative questions • 30 A question can be negative.
Haven't you answered the letter yet?
Questions with or • 31
We can use or in a question.
Are you sending a card or a letter?
A practical guide to English grammar 24
Questions without inversion • 32 In informal conversation a question can sometimes have the same word order as a statement.
You've written a letter?
Indirect questions • 33 We can ask an indirect question.
I'd like to know what you've written. Question tags • 34 We can add a question tag to a statement.
You've answered the letter, haven’t you?
