Question: An Interrogative Sentence

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A question is a type of sentence that asks for information. In grammar, it is called an interrogative sentence. A question always ends with a question mark (?) and requires an answer.

Types of Questions

1. Yes/No Questions

These questions can be answered with "yes" or "no". They usually start with helping (auxiliary) verbs such as is, are, was, were, do, does, did, can, will, have, has, had. Examples:

  • "Are you a student?" → (Answer: "Yes, I am." / "No, I am not.")
  • "Does she like coffee?" → (Answer: "Yes, she does." / "No, she doesn’t.")

2. Wh- Questions

These questions start with question words (who, what, when, where, why, which, how) and ask for specific information. Examples:

  • "What is your name?" → (Answer: "My name is John.")
  • "Where do you live?" → (Answer: "I live in London.")
  • "How do you cook rice?" → (Answer: "Boil it in water.")

3. Choice Questions

These questions offer two or more options. Examples:

  • "Do you want tea or coffee?" → (Answer: "Tea, please.")
  • "Will you go by car or by train?" → (Answer: "By train.")

4. Tag Questions

These questions confirm information and end with a short question. Examples:

  • "You like ice cream, don’t you?" → (Answer: "Yes, I do.")
  • "She is your sister, isn’t she?" → (Answer: "Yes, she is.")

5. Indirect Questions

These are polite or formal ways of asking questions. They usually start with phrases like "Could you tell me...?", "Do you know...?", "I wonder...".

Examples:

  • "Could you tell me where he lives?"
  • "Do you know what time it is?"

Conclusion

A question is a sentence that asks for information. It can be a yes/no question, wh-question, choice question, tag question, or indirect question. Questions help in communication by allowing people to get answers, clarify doubts, and gather information.

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