Making Questions in English
Master Yes/No Questions, WH Questions, Question Tags, and correct question structure with Telugu examples.
Introduction to Making Questions
Welcome to Day 12! Today we'll learn how to make different types of questions in English. Asking questions is essential for communication - it helps you get information, clarify doubts, and engage in conversations. We'll cover Yes/No Questions, WH Questions, and Question Tags.
Yes/No Questions
Questions that can be answered with "Yes" or "No". Start with an auxiliary verb (helping verb).
Structure:
Transformation Examples:
Common Auxiliary Verbs for Yes/No Questions:
For simple present/past
Does he work here?
Did they come?
For "to be" verb
Is she a doctor?
Were they at home?
For perfect tenses
Has he arrived?
Had they left?
Important Rule:
For questions with modal verbs (can, will, should, etc.), the modal verb becomes the auxiliary:
Statement: You can swim. → Question: Can you swim?
WH Questions
Questions that start with WH words (What, Where, When, Why, Who, Which, How). These questions ask for specific information.
Structure:
WH Word
Auxiliary Verb
Subject
+ Rest
Special Case: When WH word is the subject
When the WH word (Who, What, Which) is the subject of the question, we don't use "do/does/did":
Correct: Who teaches you? (Who = subject)
Incorrect: Who does teach you? ❌
Question Tags
Short questions added at the end of statements to confirm information or seek agreement.
Structure:
How to Form Question Tags:
Step 1: Identify the auxiliary verb in the statement
If there's no auxiliary, use "do/does/did"
Step 2: Make the tag opposite (positive → negative, negative → positive)
Positive statement → Negative tag
Negative statement → Positive tag
Step 3: Use the pronoun that matches the subject
I → aren't I? / am I not?
You → aren't you?
He/She/It → isn't he/she/it?
Choice Questions
Questions that offer choices using "or". The answer is usually one of the choices given.
Structure:
Simple Choice
Verb Choice
Adjective Choice
WH Choice Question
Real Conversation Examples
See different question types used in real conversations.
At a Restaurant:
Job Interview:
Practice Exercise
Transform these statements into questions. Choose the correct question type.
Question 1
Statement: She is a doctor.
Make this into a Yes/No question:
Question 2
Statement: They work in Mumbai.
Make this into a WH question asking about place:
Question 3
Statement: You can speak English.
Add the correct question tag:
Question 4
Statement: He likes coffee.
Make this into a choice question with "tea":
Question 5
Statement: She will arrive at 5 PM.
Make this into a WH question asking about time:
Question 6
Statement: They aren't coming to the party.
Add the correct question tag:
Your Progress
Key Takeaways
- Yes/No Questions: Start with auxiliary verb (Are you...? Do they...?)
- WH Questions: Start with WH word + auxiliary + subject + verb
- Question Tags: Statement + opposite auxiliary + pronoun
- Choice Questions: Use "or" to offer alternatives
- Word order changes for questions: Auxiliary comes before subject
- When WH word is subject (Who, What, Which), no auxiliary needed
- Positive statement → Negative tag (You are..., aren't you?)
- Negative statement → Positive tag (You aren't..., are you?)
- Special case: I am late, aren't I? (not "amn't I")
- Practice by converting statements into different question types