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Interrogative Sentence
What Is an Interrogative Sentence?
An interrogative sentence is a sentence that asks a direct question and always ends in a question mark. An interrogative sentence is used to obtain information or clarification.Table of Contents
- Examples of Interrogative Sentences
- The Three Types of Interrogative Sentence
- (1) Yes/No Question
- (2) "Question Word" Question
- (3) Choice Question
- Real-Life Examples of Interrogative Sentences
- Forming the Three Question Types
- Other Sentence Types
- Video Lesson
- Printable Test
Examples of Interrogative Sentences
Here are some examples of interrogative sentences:- Has anyone seen my torch?
- What's the capital of Peru?
- Shall we ask Simon or Jonesy?
The Three Types of Interrogative Sentence
There are three types of interrogative sentence, i.e., question:(1) Yes/No Question
Q: Is it raining?A: No.
(The answer to a yes/no question will be yes or no.)
(2) "Question Word" Question
Q: Why are you bored?A: I've seen this film before.
(The answer to a "question word" question will be information.)
(3) Choice Question
Q: Do you want salsa dip or cheese dip?A: Answer: Salsa dip
(The answer to a choice question will be in the question.)
Real-Life Examples of Interrogative Sentences
- Is it possible to succeed without any act of betrayal? (Film director Jean Renoir) (This is a yes/no question, i.e., the answer is yes or no.)
- Why do I crave everything when I'm dieting? (Reality star Kim Kardashian) (This is a question-word question, the answer to which is information.)
- Do you want to feel good or to do good? (Singer Ted Nugent) (This is a choice question, the answer to which is in the question.)
Forming the Three Question Types
Forming Yes/No Questions
Yes/no questions are formed:Auxiliary Verb
+ Subject
+ Main Verb
+ Remainder
Auxiliary Verb | Subject | Main Verb | Remainder | Possible Answer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Can | tigers | swim? | Yes, they can. | |
Has | the crocodile | returned | to the water? | No, it hasn't. |
Verb To Be | Subject | Remainder | Possible Answer |
---|---|---|---|
Are | you | angry? | Yes, I am. |
Was | she | in attendance? | No, she wasn't. |
Forming "Question Word" Questions
"Question word" questions are formed:Question Word
+ Auxiliary Verb
+ Subject
+ Main Verb
+ Remainder
Question Word | Auxiliary Verb | Subject | Main Verb | Remainder | Possible Answer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Where | did | the train | stop? | Boston. | |
Why | was | the policeman | waving | the flag? | To stop the traffic. |
Question Word (and Subject) | Main Verb | Remainder | Possible Answer |
---|---|---|---|
Who | knows | when the train arrives? | He does. |
Who | has been polishing | these helmets? | Lee. |
Question Word | Verb To Be | Subject | Remainder | Possible Answer |
---|---|---|---|---|
When | is | Easter Sunday? | Before Easter Monday. | |
Why | are | you | leaving? | No reason. |
Forming Choice Questions
Choice questions are formed:Auxiliary Verb
+ Subject
+ Main Verb
+ Choice 1
+ "or"
+ Choice 2
Auxiliary Verb | Subject | Main Verb | Choice 1 | or | Choice 2 | Possible Answer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Does | she | want | the pink one | or | the black one? | The black one. |
Did | Lee | catch | a whelk | or | a bass? | A whelk. |
Verb To Be | Subject | Choice 1 | or | Choice 2 | Possible Answer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Is | it | right | or | wrong? | It's right. |
Were | you | disappointed | or | angry? | Disappointed. |
Other Sentence Types
Interrogative sentences contrast with the following sentences:- Declarative sentences, which make statements
- Imperative sentences, which give commands
- Exclamatory sentences, which express emotions

Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer video to text? Here is a list of all our grammar videos.
Interrogative sentences are important. They're the tool for getting the information we want. Interrogative sentences are not as common as declarative sentences (ones that make statements), but they are the next most common sentence type. So, if you're learning or teaching English, it's essential to understand how they are formed.If you're a native English speaker, then interrogative sentences are unlikely to be responsible for any serious writing errors. Nevertheless, here are two good reasons to think a little more carefully about interrogative sentences.
(Reason 1) Don't use a question mark after a non-question. (Beware indirect questions!)
Interrogative sentences (i.e., questions) are not responsible for serious errors among native English speakers, who understand how to form the three question types. By far the biggest issue related to interrogative sentences is writers thinking a non-question is a question and using a question mark.- I want to know if it's finished?
- I wonder if I'll ever find my torch?
(Reason 2) Use a rhetorical question to raise a subject.
Rhetorical questions (i.e., ones that are not expected to elicit an answer) can be used to make a point or to introduce a subject.- When are you ever settled enough to have kids? (Actor Benedict Cumberbatch) (This is a rhetorical question designed to make a point not to elicit an answer. It's an interesting way of saying "You are never settled enough to have kids.")
- Is the Loch Ness monster dead? (This is a rhetorical question designed to introduce a subject. Often used as titles, rhetorical questions are designed to pique the audience's interest.)
- Don't use a question mark after a statement that contains an indirect question.
- I wonder if that's true?
- I need to know whether I'm selected?
- You can use a question as an interesting way to make a point.
- What's not to like?
- You can use a question as an interesting way to introduce an idea.
- Were some of moon-landing photos faked?
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