BeginnerQuestions
Learn Wh- Questions in English
Ask questions with who, what, where, when, why, and how.
- Learning goal
- Recognize and use this pattern in context.
- Practice
- 10 randomized questions with explanations.
- Suggested workflow
- Study the examples, then take the quiz.
Grammar Focus
Wh- questions are one of the most essential tools in English. They allow you to ask for specific information — not just a yes or no answer — which makes your conversations much richer and more natural.
- There are six main wh- words: Who (for people), What (for things or information), Where (for places), When (for time), Why (for reasons), and How (for manner or degree).
- With the verb be, the wh- word comes first, then the verb, then the subject: "Where is she?"
- With action verbs, add do or does after the wh- word: "What does he eat for breakfast?"
- The main verb always stays in the base form after do/does — never add -s: "Where does she live?" (not 'lives').
- Why questions often get answers that start with because: "Why are you late?" → "Because the bus was slow."
- How can combine with adjectives or adverbs to ask for more detail: How old, How much, How far, How often.
Form & Structure
Wh- Words and Their Meanings
Who (person), What (thing), Where (place), When (time), Why (reason), How (manner)
Who is your best friend? — My best friend is Sara.
What is in the bag? — There is a book in the bag.
How do you spell your name? — H-A-R-R-I-S-O-N.
Wh- + Be Questions
Wh-word + be + subject?
Where is the nearest supermarket?
When are the shops open?
Who is that man by the door?
Wh- + Do/Does Questions
Wh-word + do/does + subject + base verb?
What do you eat for breakfast?
Where does she work?
Why do they leave so early?
Common Mistakes
Adding -s to the verb after does in wh- questions
Where does she works?
Where does she work?
Tip: After do or does, always use the base form of the verb. The -s ending moves to does, not the main verb.
Forgetting do/does and using the wrong word order
Where she lives?
Where does she live?
Tip: In wh- questions with action verbs, you must use do or does between the wh- word and the subject.
Mixing up who and what
What is your teacher? (meaning the person)
Who is your teacher?
Tip: Use who when asking about a person, and what when asking about a thing, job, or concept.
Why This Grammar Matters
Meeting someone new
“Where are you from?”
“What do you do for work?”
Asking for directions
“Where is the train station?”
“How far is it from here?”
Making plans with friends
“When does the film start?”
“Who is coming to the party?”
Understanding reasons
“Why are you so tired today?”
“Why does he always arrive late?”