Question Words That Start with ‘WH’: List & Grammar Tips

Question words, often referred to as “wh-words” due to their typical ‘wh’ beginning (or ‘h’ in the case of ‘how’), are fundamental to forming questions in English. Mastering these words is crucial for effective communication, whether you’re asking for information, seeking clarification, or engaging in polite conversation.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using wh-words correctly, covering their definitions, structures, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you refine your English language skills and enhance your ability to ask precise and meaningful questions.

This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners who are just starting to grasp the basics of question formation to advanced learners who want to refine their understanding and usage of wh-words. Native English speakers who wish to brush up on their grammar skills may also find this resource helpful.

By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of how to use wh-words to construct grammatically correct and contextually appropriate questions.

Table of Contents

• Definition of Question Words (Wh-Words)
• Structural Breakdown of Wh-Questions
• Types and Categories of Wh-Words
  • Who
  • Whom
  • What
  • When
  • Where
  • Why
  • Which
  • Whose
  • How
• Examples of Wh-Word Usage
• Usage Rules for Wh-Words
• Common Mistakes with Wh-Words
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics in Wh-Questions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

Definition of Question Words (Wh-Words)

Question words, also known as interrogative words or wh-words, are used to ask open-ended questions that require more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer. These words typically begin with “wh-” (with the exception of “how”) and are essential for gathering information, seeking clarification, and engaging in detailed conversations.

Understanding and using wh-words correctly is a fundamental aspect of English grammar.

Wh-words serve several crucial functions in question formation. They indicate the type of information being requested, such as the identity of a person (“who”), a time (“when”), a location (“where”), or a reason (“why”).

They also determine the structure of the question, influencing word order and auxiliary verb usage. Mastering wh-words allows speakers and writers to formulate precise and effective questions, leading to clearer communication and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

The context in which a wh-word is used can significantly affect its meaning and the type of answer it elicits. For example, “what” can be used to ask about a specific object (“What is that?”), a general concept (“What is happiness?”), or a course of action (“What should I do?”).

Similarly, “how” can inquire about a method (“How do you cook pasta?”), a degree (“How tall are you?”), or a condition (“How are you feeling?”). Recognizing these nuances is key to using wh-words accurately and interpreting responses effectively.

Structural Breakdown of Wh-Questions

The basic structure of a wh-question typically follows this pattern: Wh-word + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + (Object/Complement). This structure ensures that the question is grammatically correct and easily understood. However, there are variations depending on the specific wh-word and the verb tense being used.

Let’s break down each component of the structure:

• Wh-word: This is the interrogative word itself (e.g., who, what, when, where, why, which, whose, how). It always comes first in the question.
• Auxiliary Verb: This is a helping verb (e.g., be, do, have) that assists the main verb in forming the question. The choice of auxiliary verb depends on the tense and aspect of the verb.
• Subject: This is the person or thing that the question is about. It usually comes after the auxiliary verb.
• Main Verb: This is the primary action or state being questioned. It follows the subject.
• Object/Complement: This provides additional information about the action or state. It is not always present in the question.

Here’s a table illustrating the structural breakdown of wh-questions with different wh-words and verb tenses. This table shows the general structure and how it applies to different question words.

Wh-word	Auxiliary Verb	Subject	Main Verb	Object/Complement	Example Question
Who	is	she	talking	to?	Who is she talking to?
What	did	you	eat	for breakfast?	What did you eat for breakfast?
When	will	they	arrive	?	When will they arrive?
Where	are	we	going	?	Where are we going?
Why	do	you	study	English?	Why do you study English?
Which	is	your	favorite	color?	Which is your favorite color?
Whose	book	is	that	?	Whose book is that?
How	are	you	feeling	today?	How are you feeling today?

When the wh-word is the subject of the sentence, the structure changes slightly. In this case, the auxiliary verb and subject are not inverted. The structure becomes: Wh-word + Main Verb + (Object/Complement). For example, “Who ate the cake?” Here, “who” is the subject, and the verb “ate” follows directly after it.

Types and Categories of Wh-Words

There are several types of wh-words, each used to elicit different kinds of information. Understanding the specific function of each wh-word is crucial for asking clear and effective questions.

Let’s explore each one in detail.

Who

“Who” is used to ask about a person or people. It seeks to identify the individual or individuals involved in an action or situation.

“Who” can function as the subject or object of a sentence.

Examples:

• Who is the president of the United States?
• Who called me last night?
• Who are you inviting to the party?

Whom

“Whom” is the objective case of “who” and is used to ask about the object of a verb or preposition. While “who” is increasingly used in informal contexts, “whom” is still considered more grammatically correct in formal writing and speech.

Examples:

• To whom did you give the letter?
• Whom did you see at the conference?
• With whom are you traveling?

What

“What” is used to ask about things, objects, ideas, or actions. It is a versatile wh-word that can be used in a wide range of contexts.

Examples:

• What is your name?
• What are you doing this weekend?
• What is the capital of France?

When

“When” is used to ask about time, dates, or occasions. It seeks to pinpoint when an event occurred or will occur.

Examples:

• When does the movie start?
• When is your birthday?
• When did you graduate from college?

Where

“Where” is used to ask about location or place. It seeks to identify the specific location of an object, person, or event.

Examples:

• Where do you live?
• Where is the nearest post office?
• Where did you go on vacation?

Why

“Why” is used to ask about the reason or cause of something. It seeks to understand the underlying explanation for an event or situation.

Examples:

• Why are you so happy?
• Why did you choose to study English?
• Why is the sky blue?

Which

“Which” is used to ask about a choice between a limited number of options. It seeks to identify a specific item or person from a defined set.

Examples:

• Which shirt do you prefer, the blue one or the red one?
• Which is your favorite season?
• Which candidate do you support?

Whose

“Whose” is used to ask about possession or ownership. It seeks to identify the person or thing to whom something belongs.

Examples:

• Whose car is parked outside?
• Whose book is this?
• Whose idea was it to go to the beach?

How

While “how” does not begin with “wh-,” it functions as a wh-word and is used to ask about the manner, method, or condition of something. It can also be used to inquire about quantity, degree, or extent when combined with other words (e.g., how much, how many, how often).

Examples:

• How are you?
• How do you make coffee?
• How much does this cost?
• How many people are coming to the party?

Examples of Wh-Word Usage

This section provides a comprehensive list of examples showcasing the correct usage of each wh-word in various contexts. These examples are categorized by wh-word to provide clarity and facilitate understanding.

The following table presents examples of questions using the wh-word “Who.” Notice how “who” is used to inquire about people, either as the subject or object of the sentence.

Question	Category
Who is coming to the meeting?	Subject
Who did you invite to the party?	Object
Who is your favorite actor?	Person
Who wrote that book?	Author
Who can help me with this problem?	Assistance
Who is in charge here?	Authority
Who told you that secret?	Source
Who is going to win the game?	Prediction
Who needs a ride home?	Offer
Who is responsible for this mess?	Responsibility
Who is the best player on the team?	Opinion
Who wants to go to the movies?	Interest
Who is knocking at the door?	Identification
Who is your teacher?	Profession
Who is singing that song?	Performer
Who is the owner of this dog?	Ownership
Who wants to volunteer?	Volunteering
Who is the guest speaker?	Speaker
Who is available to work tomorrow?	Availability
Who is organizing the event?	Organizer
Who knows the answer?	Knowledge
Who is your role model?	Inspiration
Who is the director of the film?	Director
Who is the artist behind this painting?	Artist
Who is the author of this article?	Writer
Who is the composer of this music?	Composer

The following table provides examples of questions using the wh-word “What.” “What” is incredibly versatile and can be used to ask about a wide range of things, actions, and ideas.

Question	Category
What is your favorite color?	Preference
What are you doing?	Action
What is the meaning of this word?	Definition
What time is it?	Time
What is your phone number?	Contact Information
What did you say?	Clarification
What happened?	Event
What do you think?	Opinion
What is your job?	Occupation
What is the problem?	Issue
What are your hobbies?	Interests
What is your goal?	Aspiration
What is your address?	Location
What is your favorite food?	Culinary Preference
What is the weather like?	Weather
What kind of music do you like?	Musical Preference
What is the capital of Canada?	Geography
What is the date today?	Date
What is your opinion on this matter?	Viewpoint
What should I do?	Advice
What is the main ingredient in this dish?	Ingredients
What is the best way to learn English?	Method
What is the purpose of this meeting?	Purpose
What is the name of that song?	Song Title
What is the secret to your success?	Success Factor
What is the title of the movie?	Movie Title

The following table illustrates the use of “When” to ask about time, dates, and occasions. These examples cover a range of situations where temporal information is needed.

Question	Category
When is your birthday?	Date of Birth
When does the class start?	Start Time
When will you arrive?	Arrival Time
When did you graduate?	Graduation Date
When are we leaving?	Departure Time
When is the deadline?	Due Date
When did this happen?	Occurrence Time
When can I see you again?	Future Meeting
When is the party?	Event Date
When do you usually wake up?	Daily Routine
When should I call you?	Calling Time
When is the best time to visit?	Optimal Time
When did you start learning English?	Learning Start Date
When will the project be finished?	Project Completion
When is the next holiday?	Upcoming Holiday
When did you last see him?	Last Encounter
When is the concert?	Concert Date
When do you go to bed?	Bedtime
When is the store open?	Business Hours
When will I receive my order?	Delivery Time
When did you buy your car?	Purchase Date
When are you free to meet?	Availability
When is the train arriving?	Train Arrival
When will the rain stop?	Weather Forecast
When are the elections?	Election Date
When did you move to this city?	Relocation Date

This table provides examples of questions using the wh-word “Where.” These questions focus on asking about locations, places, and positions.

Question	Category
Where do you live?	Residence
Where is the bathroom?	Location of Facility
Where are you going?	Destination
Where did you buy that?	Place of Purchase
Where is my phone?	Object Location
Where are we meeting?	Meeting Place
Where is the nearest hospital?	Nearby Facility
Where did you grow up?	Upbringing Location
Where is the key?	Missing Item
Where can I find a taxi?	Transportation
Where are the children?	Child Location
Where should I park?	Parking Location
Where is the entrance?	Entry Point
Where can I get coffee?	Coffee Source
Where is the post office?	Postal Service
Where are you from?	Origin
Where is the exit?	Departure Point
Where can I buy tickets?	Ticket Purchase
Where is the library?	Library Location
Where are the instructions?	Instruction Location
Where is the manager?	Manager Location
Where can I recycle this?	Recycling Location
Where is the lost and found?	Lost Item Recovery
Where is the information desk?	Information Source
Where is the security office?	Security Location
Where is the customer service department?	Customer Support

Usage Rules for Wh-Words

Using wh-words correctly involves understanding several key rules regarding word order, auxiliary verbs, and preposition placement. Adhering to these rules ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy in your questions.

Rule 1: Word Order: In most wh-questions, the wh-word comes first, followed by an auxiliary verb, the subject, and the main verb. For example: “Where do you live?” The auxiliary verb “do” comes before the subject “you.”

Rule 2: Auxiliary Verbs: The choice of auxiliary verb depends on the tense and aspect of the verb. Common auxiliary verbs include “be” (is, are, was, were), “do” (do, does, did), and “have” (have, has, had). For example: “What are you doing?” (present continuous tense), “When did you arrive?” (simple past tense).

Rule 3: Preposition Placement: In formal English, prepositions often come at the end of wh-questions. For example: “Who are you talking to?” In less formal contexts, the preposition can sometimes precede the wh-word, but this is more common with “whom”: “To whom are you talking?”

Rule 4: Subject Questions: When the wh-word is the subject of the sentence, the word order changes. The auxiliary verb and subject are not inverted. For example: “Who ate the cake?” Here, “who” is the subject, and the verb “ate” follows directly after it.

Rule 5: “Whose” Usage: “Whose” is used to ask about possession and is followed by a noun. For example: “Whose book is this?” “Whose” acts as a determiner, specifying the noun it modifies.

Rule 6: “Which” vs. “What”: Use “which” when there is a limited set of options to choose from. Use “what” when there are no specific options or when the possibilities are unlimited. For example: “Which shirt do you prefer, the blue one or the red one?” (limited options), “What is your favorite color?” (unlimited options).

Rule 7: “How” Usage: “How” can be used with adjectives or adverbs to ask about degree or manner. For example: “How tall are you?” (degree), “How quickly can you run?” (manner).

Rule 8: Contractions: Using contractions in wh-questions is common in informal speech and writing. For example: “What’s your name?” (instead of “What is your name?”), “Where’s the bathroom?” (instead of “Where is the bathroom?”).

Common Mistakes with Wh-Words

Even experienced English learners sometimes make mistakes with wh-words. Recognizing these common errors and understanding how to correct them can significantly improve your accuracy and fluency.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Word Order: One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong word order in wh-questions. Remember that the wh-word usually comes first, followed by the auxiliary verb, subject, and main verb.

Incorrect: “You are doing what?”

Correct: “What are you doing?”

Mistake 2: Missing Auxiliary Verb: Forgetting to include the auxiliary verb is another frequent error. Make sure to use the correct auxiliary verb based on the tense and aspect of the verb.

Incorrect: “Where you go?”

Correct: “Where do you go?”

Mistake 3: Using “Who” Instead of “Whom”: While “who” is often used informally as both the subject and object, “whom” is still considered more grammatically correct in formal contexts when referring to the object of a verb or preposition.

Incorrect: “Who did you give the letter to?” (informal, but acceptable)

Correct: “To whom did you give the letter?” (formal)

Mistake 4: Incorrect Preposition Placement: Placing the preposition in the wrong position can lead to awkward or grammatically incorrect questions.

Incorrect: “Where you are from at?”

Correct: “Where are you from?”

Mistake 5: Confusing “Which” and “What”: Using “which” and “what” interchangeably can result in unclear questions. Remember that “which” is used when there are specific options to choose from, while “what” is used more generally.

Incorrect: “Which is your favorite color in general?”

Correct: “What is your favorite color?”

Incorrect: “What shirt do you want, the blue one or the red one?”

Correct: “Which shirt do you want, the blue one or the red one?”

Mistake 6: Incorrect Use of “Whose”: Forgetting to follow “whose” with a noun is a common error. “Whose” acts as a determiner and needs to modify a noun.

Incorrect: “Whose is this?”

Correct: “Whose book is this?”

Mistake 7: Not Using Correct Tense: Using the wrong tense in a question can completely change its meaning or make it nonsensical.

Incorrect: “When you will arrived?”

Correct: “When will you arrive?”

Mistake 8: Double Questions: Avoid creating questions that have two question words or structures mixed together.

Incorrect: “Why what did you do that?”

Correct: “Why did you do that?” or “What did you do that for?”

Practice Exercises

These practice exercises will help you reinforce your understanding of wh-words and their correct usage. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of wh-question formation, ranging from basic identification to more complex sentence construction.

Answers are provided at the end of each exercise.

Exercise 1: Identifying Wh-Words: Identify the wh-word in each of the following sentences.

Question	Answer
1. Where is the museum?	Where
2. What is your favorite book?	What
3. When does the train leave?	When
4. Who is the teacher?	Who
5. Why are you laughing?	Why
6. Which car is yours?	Which
7. Whose pen is this?	Whose
8. How are you feeling?	How
9. Whom did you call?	Whom
10. What time is it?	What

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks: Fill in the blank with the appropriate wh-word.

Question	Answer
1. ______ is your name?	What
2. ______ do you live?	Where
3. ______ is your birthday?	When
4. ______ are you so sad?	Why
5. ______ is your favorite sport?	Which
6. ______ book is on the table?	Whose
7. ______ did you meet at the party?	Who/Whom
8. ______ old are you?	How
9. ______ do you study English?	Why
10. ______ is coming to dinner tonight?	Who

Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes: Identify and correct the mistakes in the following wh-questions.

Incorrect Question	Corrected Question
1. You are doing what?	What are you doing?
2. Where you go?	Where do you go?
3. Why you are late?	Why are you late?
4. Who did you gave the book?	To whom did you give the book? / Who did you give the book to?
5. Which you want?	Which one do you want?
6. Whose is this car?	Whose car is this?
7. When you will arrive?	When will you arrive?
8. What is meaning of this?	What is the meaning of this?
9. How much it cost?	How much does it cost?
10. Where is at the bank?	Where is the bank?

Exercise 4: Sentence Construction: Create a wh-question using the given wh-word and prompts.

Wh-Word	Prompt	Question
1. What	Your favorite movie	What is your favorite movie?
2. Where	The nearest supermarket	Where is the nearest supermarket?
3. When	The next holiday	When is the next holiday?
4. Who	Your best friend	Who is your best friend?
5. Why	You are learning English	Why are you learning English?
6. Which	Your favorite flavor of ice cream	Which is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
7. Whose	The umbrella	Whose umbrella is this?
8. How	To get to the airport	How do I get to the airport?
9. What	You did yesterday	What did you do yesterday?
10. Where	You went on vacation	Where did you go on vacation?

Advanced Topics in Wh-Questions

For advanced learners, understanding more nuanced aspects of wh-questions can further enhance their command of English grammar. These topics include embedded questions, multiple wh-words, and the use of wh-words in relative clauses.

Embedded Questions: Embedded questions are questions that are included within a statement or another question. They often use the same wh-words as direct questions but have a different word order. In embedded questions, the subject typically comes before the verb.

Direct question: “Where is the library?”

Embedded question: “I don’t know where the library is.”

Multiple Wh-Words: It is possible to use multiple wh-words in a single question, especially when seeking detailed information about an event or situation. However, this can sometimes sound awkward

or confusing if not structured carefully.

Example: “Who decided what to do?”
Another Example: “Who knows where she went?”

Wh-Words in Relative Clauses: Wh-words can also introduce relative clauses, which provide additional information about a noun. In this case, the wh-word acts as a relative pronoun, connecting the clause to the main sentence.

Example: “The book that I read was very interesting.” (Here, “that” connects the relative clause “that I read” to the noun “book.”)
Another Example: “The person who called was very polite.” (Here, “who” connects the relative clause “who called” to the noun “person.”)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This section addresses some frequently asked questions about wh-words, providing clear and concise answers to common queries.

Q: What is the difference between “who” and “whom”?

A: “Who” is used as the subject of a sentence or clause, while “whom” is used as the object of a verb or preposition. In modern English, “who” is often used in place of “whom” in informal contexts, but “whom” is still considered more grammatically correct in formal writing and speech.

Q: How do I choose between “which” and “what”?

A: Use “which” when you are asking about a choice from a limited number of options. Use “what” when there are no specific options or when the possibilities are unlimited.

Q: Can I end a sentence with a preposition in a wh-question?

A: Yes, it is common to end a wh-question with a preposition in informal English. For example, “Who are you talking to?” In formal English, it is more appropriate to place the preposition before the wh-word: “To whom are you talking?”

Q: What do I do if I don’t know which auxiliary verb to use?

A: The auxiliary verb depends on the tense and aspect of the main verb. If the main verb is a form of “be” (is, are, was, were), use “be” as the auxiliary verb. If the main verb is in the simple present or simple past tense, use “do,” “does,” or “did.” If the main verb is in a perfect tense (e.g., present perfect, past perfect), use “have,” “has,” or “had.”

Q: Is it okay to use contractions in wh-questions?

A: Yes, using contractions in wh-questions is common in informal speech and writing. For example, “What’s your name?” is a perfectly acceptable contraction of “What is your name?”

Q: How can I improve my ability to use wh-words correctly?

A: Practice regularly by constructing your own wh-questions, paying attention to word order, auxiliary verbs, and preposition placement. Also, read and listen to English content to observe how native speakers use wh-words in different contexts.

Q: What is an embedded question?

A: An embedded question is a question that is included within a statement or another question. The word order in embedded questions is different from direct questions; the subject typically comes before the verb.

Q: Can I use multiple wh-words in one question?

A: Yes, it is possible to use multiple wh-words in a single question, especially when seeking detailed information. However, this can sound awkward or confusing if not structured carefully.

Conclusion

Mastering question words is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding the definitions, structures, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with wh-words, you can significantly improve your ability to ask clear, precise, and grammatically correct questions.

Regular practice and attention to detail will further enhance your fluency and confidence in using wh-words in various contexts.

From understanding the nuances between “who” and “whom” to correctly placing prepositions and auxiliary verbs, each aspect of wh-question formation contributes to clearer and more effective communication. As you continue your English language journey, remember to revisit these concepts and apply them in your daily conversations and writing.

With dedication and practice, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of wh-questions and communicate with greater confidence and accuracy.