Question words like 'who,' 'what,' and 'where' are essential for asking questions in English. They help you gather specific information about people, objects, and places, making your communication clearer and more effective. This lesson will guide you through the specific use of these words in forming questions, provide examples, and highlight common mistakes to avoid.
Examples
Example 1
IncorrectWho you think is the best candidate?
BetterWho do you think is the best candidate?
Use 'do' to form the question correctly when 'who' is not the subject.
Example 2
IncorrectWhere you bought this book?
BetterWhere did you buy this book?
Use 'did' to form the question correctly in the past tense.
How It Works
Meaning
'Who,' 'what,' and 'where' are question words used to gather specific information about people, things, and places in English. They initiate questions that require specific answers rather than yes/no responses. Mastery of these question forms is crucial at the B2 level for effective communication and clarity in both spoken and written English.
Use it when
- Asking about a person's identity or role, use 'who.'
- Inquiring about objects or actions, use 'what.'
- Seeking information about locations, use 'where.'
- Formulating questions in formal writing, interviews, or exams.
- Clarifying details in conversations or discussions.
See it
Quick rules
- Start questions with 'who,' 'what,' or 'where' when seeking specific information.
- Follow the question word with an auxiliary verb if needed (do, does, did).
- Ensure the word order is correct: question word + auxiliary + subject + main verb.
- Do not use an auxiliary if the question word is the subject.
Common Mistakes
Common problem 1
Incorrect word order with 'who'
WeakWho you think will win?
StrongWho do you think will win?
Fix: Use 'do' to form the question when 'who' is not the subject.
Common problem 2
Missing auxiliary with 'what'
WeakWhat you want to achieve?
StrongWhat do you want to achieve?
Fix: Add 'do' to form the question correctly.
Common problem 3
Incorrect word order with 'where'
WeakWhere you found this document?
StrongWhere did you find this document?
Fix: Use 'did' to form the question correctly in the past tense.
Practice Lab
Practice
Learn to form questions using 'who,' 'what,' and 'where' accurately. Then apply them in full sentences.
Score: 0/3
Focus on the correct placement of auxiliary verbs and question words.
1. Quick pick
Choose the correctly formed question.
2. Build it
Put this question in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it down. Tap it again to send it back.
3. Final sort
Identify which questions are correctly formed.
What are the requirements for the job?
What the requirements are for the job?
Where did you find this information?
Where you found this information?
Why It Matters
🎯 Why it matters: Mastering the use of 'who,' 'what,' and 'where' in questions is crucial for effective communication. These question words allow you to gather precise information, making interactions smoother and more informative, which is especially important in professional and academic settings.
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