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Common question words with meanings and examples  

 A comprehensive lesson on question words, featuring over 80 examples with meanings to help ESL and TEFL learners improve their questioning skills and fluency.

 

Understanding Question Words: Key Phrases for Effective Communication

 

Introduction to Question Words

Asking questions is a fundamental aspect of communication, allowing us to seek information, clarify doubts, and engage in meaningful conversations. Question words are essential tools in forming questions, and mastering them can significantly enhance your English-speaking skills. This lesson focuses on various question words, providing you with detailed meanings and examples to illustrate their use in context.

By the end of this lesson, you will be familiar with a wide range of question words and how to use them effectively. These words are particularly useful for ESL and TEFL learners looking to improve their comprehension and fluency. We will explore each question word with its meaning and examples to help you understand and use them confidently.

Useful Vocabulary for Question Words:

  1. Choice: An act of selecting between two or more possibilities.
  2. Specific: Clearly defined or identified.
  3. Occasion: A particular event or time.
  4. Reason: A cause or explanation.
  5. Possessor: Someone who owns something.

Question Words List with Examples and Meanings

  1. Which?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about choice or alternative.
    • Example 1: Which colour do you prefer?
    • Example 2: Which book should I read next?
    • Example 3: Which dish should I choose?

  2. What?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific thing, person, animal, or object.
    • Example 1: What is making that sound?
    • Example 2: What are you doing this weekend?
    • Example 3: What did you have for breakfast?

  3. Where?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about place or position.
    • Example 1: Where should I go?
    • Example 2: Where is the nearest hospital?
    • Example 3: Where did you buy that dress?

  4. When?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about time, occasion, or moment.
    • Example 1: When will you arrive?
    • Example 2: When is your birthday?
    • Example 3: When did you start learning English?

  5. Why?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about reason or explanation.
    • Example 1: Why are you angry?
    • Example 2: Why did you choose this career?
    • Example 3: Why is the sky blue?

  6. How?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about condition, quality, manner, or the way things happen.
    • Example 1: How do I stop the baby from crying?
    • Example 2: How was your day?
    • Example 3: How do you make a cake?

  7. Who?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about people or a person.
    • Example 1: Who is calling?
    • Example 2: Who will reach the phone first?
    • Example 3: Who are you meeting tonight?

  8. Whose?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about the possessor of something.
    • Example 1: Whose book is this?
    • Example 2: Whose turn is it to wash the dishes?
    • Example 3: Whose idea was this?

  9. What time?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific time.
    • Example 1: What time is the meeting?
    • Example 2: What time does the movie start?
    • Example 3: What time do you usually wake up?

  10. Which one?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific item among many.
    • Example 1: Which one do you like best?
    • Example 2: Which one is your car?
    • Example 3: Which one should I choose?

  11. How much?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about quantity or price.
    • Example 1: How much does this cost?
    • Example 2: How much sugar do you need?
    • Example 3: How much money do you have?

  12. How many?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about number or amount.
    • Example 1: How many books do you own?
    • Example 2: How many people are coming to the party?
    • Example 3: How many apples are in the basket?

  13. How long?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about duration or length.
    • Example 1: How long is the movie?
    • Example 2: How long have you been waiting?
    • Example 3: How long will it take to get there?

  14. How often?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about frequency.
    • Example 1: How often do you exercise?
    • Example 2: How often do you visit your family?
    • Example 3: How often does it rain here?

  15. How far?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about distance.
    • Example 1: How far is the school from your house?
    • Example 2: How far can you run?
    • Example 3: How far is it to the next town?

  16. What kind?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about type or variety.
    • Example 1: What kind of music do you like?
    • Example 2: What kind of books do you read?
    • Example 3: What kind of food do you prefer?

  17. Which type?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific category or group.
    • Example 1: Which type of car do you drive?
    • Example 2: Which type of wine do you recommend?
    • Example 3: Which type of dog is your favourite?

  18. Whom?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about the object of a verb.
    • Example 1: Whom did you invite to the party?
    • Example 2: Whom are you talking to?
    • Example 3: Whom should I ask for help?

  19. Whom did?

    • Meaning: Used to inquire about the object of an action.
    • Example 1: Whom did you see at the concert?
    • Example 2: Whom did she meet yesterday?
    • Example 3: Whom did they call?

  20. What for?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about purpose or reason.
    • Example 1: What is this tool for?
    • Example 2: What are you studying for?
    • Example 3: What did you buy that for?

  21. Which way?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about direction.
    • Example 1: Which way should I go?
    • Example 2: Which way is the library?
    • Example 3: Which way did they go?

  22. What colour?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about the hue or shade of something.
    • Example 1: What colour is your car?
    • Example 2: What colour are your eyes?
    • Example 3: What colour do you want to paint the room?

  23. Which flavour?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about the taste of something.
    • Example 1: Which flavour do you like best?
    • Example 2: Which flavour is your ice cream?
    • Example 3: Which flavour did you choose?

  24. How come?

    • Meaning: Used to ask why something happened.
    • Example 1: How come you are late?
    • Example 2: How come they didn't invite you?
    • Example 3: How come she didn't call back?

  25. Which brand?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about the make of a product.
    • Example 1: Which brand of coffee do you buy?
    • Example 2: Which brand is your laptop?
    • Example 3: Which brand do you prefer?

  26. What size?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about dimensions or magnitude.
    • Example 1: What size are your shoes?
    • Example 2: What size dress do you wear?
    • Example 3: What size is the bed?

  27. What time of day?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific period in a day.
    • Example 1: What time of day do you prefer to exercise?
    • Example 2: What time of day do you feel most productive?
    • Example 3: What time of day is the meeting?

  28. What year?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific year.
    • Example 1: What year were you born?
    • Example 2: What year did you graduate?
    • Example 3: What year did you move here?

  29. Which month?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific month.
    • Example 1: Which month is your birthday?
    • Example 2: Which month does school start?
    • Example 3: Which month is best to visit?

  30. Which season?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a particular season.
    • Example 1: Which season do you like best?
    • Example 2: Which season is the most beautiful here?
    • Example 3: Which season do you prefer for holidays?

  31. What date?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific day of the month.
    • Example 1: What date is the meeting?
    • Example 2: What date are you leaving?
    • Example 3: What date does the event start?

  32. What type of job?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about the nature of employment.
    • Example 1: What type of job are you looking for?
    • Example 2: What type of job does he have?
    • Example 3: What type of job do you want?

  33. Which day?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific day of the week.
    • Example 1: Which day is the party?
    • Example 2: Which day are you free?
    • Example 3: Which day should we meet?

  34. What kind of food?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about the variety of food.
    • Example 1: What kind of food do you like?
    • Example 2: What kind of food does she cook?
    • Example 3: What kind of food are you in the mood for?

  35. Which car?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific vehicle.
    • Example 1: Which car is yours?
    • Example 2: Which car should we take?
    • Example 3: Which car did you buy?

  36. What movie?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific film.
    • Example 1: What movie did you watch?
    • Example 2: What movie are you going to see?
    • Example 3: What movie do you recommend?

  37. Which train?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific train.
    • Example 1: Which train should I take?
    • Example 2: Which train goes to London?
    • Example 3: Which train did you catch?

  38. Which flight?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific plane journey.
    • Example 1: Which flight are you on?
    • Example 2: Which flight did you book?
    • Example 3: Which flight arrives first?

  39. Which hotel?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific lodging.
    • Example 1: Which hotel did you stay at?
    • Example 2: Which hotel are you staying at?
    • Example 3: Which hotel do you recommend?

  40. Which country?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific nation.
    • Example 1: Which country are you from?
    • Example 2: Which country do you want to visit?
    • Example 3: Which country did you move to?

  41. Which city?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific city.
    • Example 1: Which city do you live in?
    • Example 2: Which city is your favourite?
    • Example 3: Which city are you visiting?

  42. Which subject?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific topic or area of study.
    • Example 1: Which subject do you teach?
    • Example 2: Which subject is the hardest?
    • Example 3: Which subject do you enjoy the most?

  43. Which teacher?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific educator.
    • Example 1: Which teacher do you have for maths?
    • Example 2: Which teacher is your favourite?
    • Example 3: Which teacher do you find most helpful?

  44. Which team?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific group or squad.
    • Example 1: Which team do you support?
    • Example 2: Which team is playing tonight?
    • Example 3: Which team won the match?

  45. Which sport?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific physical activity.
    • Example 1: Which sport do you play?
    • Example 2: Which sport do you like watching?
    • Example 3: Which sport is your favourite?

  46. Which phone?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific mobile device.
    • Example 1: Which phone do you use?
    • Example 2: Which phone has the best camera?
    • Example 3: Which phone are you planning to buy?

  47. Which app?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific application.
    • Example 1: Which app do you recommend for learning languages?
    • Example 2: Which app is your favourite?
    • Example 3: Which app do you use the most?

  48. Which song?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific piece of music.
    • Example 1: Which song do you like best?
    • Example 2: Which song is currently popular?
    • Example 3: Which song did they play first?

  49. Which singer?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific vocalist.
    • Example 1: Which singer do you admire?
    • Example 2: Which singer has the best voice?
    • Example 3: Which singer did you see live?

  50. Which book?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific publication.
    • Example 1: Which book are you reading?
    • Example 2: Which book did you buy?
    • Example 3: Which book would you recommend?

  51. Which chapter?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific section of a book.
    • Example 1: Which chapter are you on?
    • Example 2: Which chapter should I start with?
    • Example 3: Which chapter explains this concept?

  52. Which author?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific writer.
    • Example 1: Which author do you prefer?
    • Example 2: Which author wrote this book?
    • Example 3: Which author are you studying?

  53. Which pet?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific animal companion.
    • Example 1: Which pet do you have?
    • Example 2: Which pet is yours?
    • Example 3: Which pet do you like the most?

  54. Which plant?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific botanical species.
    • Example 1: Which plant grows best in shade?
    • Example 2: Which plant is this?
    • Example 3: Which plant do you recommend for indoors?

  55. Which animal?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific creature.
    • Example 1: Which animal is the fastest?
    • Example 2: Which animal do you like best?
    • Example 3: Which animal is endangered?

  56. Which flower?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific bloom.
    • Example 1: Which flower is your favourite?
    • Example 2: Which flower blooms in spring?
    • Example 3: Which flower do you want for your garden?

  57. Which vegetable?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific plant used as food.
    • Example 1: Which vegetable do you like the most?
    • Example 2: Which vegetable grows quickly?
    • Example 3: Which vegetable is high in vitamin C?

  58. Which fruit?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific type of fruit.
    • Example 1: Which fruit is the sweetest?
    • Example 2: Which fruit do you want in your salad?
    • Example 3: Which fruit is your favourite?

  59. Which beverage?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific drink.
    • Example 1: Which beverage do you prefer with dinner?
    • Example 2: Which beverage is the most refreshing?
    • Example 3: Which beverage did you order?

  60. Which snack?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific small amount of food eaten between meals.
    • Example 1: Which snack do you want?
    • Example 2: Which snack is healthier?
    • Example 3: Which snack did you bring?

  61. Which restaurant?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific place to eat.
    • Example 1: Which restaurant do you recommend?
    • Example 2: Which restaurant did you visit?
    • Example 3: Which restaurant serves the best pizza?

  62. Which recipe?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific set of cooking instructions.
    • Example 1: Which recipe are you following?
    • Example 2: Which recipe did you use for this cake?
    • Example 3: Which recipe is the easiest?

  63. Which website?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific site on the internet.
    • Example 1: Which website do you use for news?
    • Example 2: Which website did you find that on?
    • Example 3: Which website is best for shopping?

  64. Which blog?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific online journal or informational website.
    • Example 1: Which blog do you follow?
    • Example 2: Which blog did you read?
    • Example 3: Which blog do you recommend for recipes?

  65. Which podcast?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific audio programme.
    • Example 1: Which podcast do you listen to?
    • Example 2: Which podcast episode was the best?
    • Example 3: Which podcast is about history?

  66. Which game?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific sport or pastime.
    • Example 1: Which game are you playing?
    • Example 2: Which game do you enjoy the most?
    • Example 3: Which game is the most challenging?

  67. Which toy?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific plaything.
    • Example 1: Which toy does your child like?
    • Example 2: Which toy is the most popular?
    • Example 3: Which toy did you buy?

  68. Which video?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific recording.
    • Example 1: Which video did you watch?
    • Example 2: Which video is trending?
    • Example 3: Which video do you want to see?

  69. Which TV show?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific television programme.
    • Example 1: Which TV show are you watching?
    • Example 2: Which TV show is your favourite?
    • Example 3: Which TV show did you recommend?

  70. Which episode?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific part of a TV show or series.
    • Example 1: Which episode are you on?
    • Example 2: Which episode was the best?
    • Example 3: Which episode should I start with?

  71. Which hobby?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific pastime or activity.
    • Example 1: Which hobby do you enjoy the most?
    • Example 2: Which hobby is relaxing for you?
    • Example 3: Which hobby do you recommend?

  72. Which event?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific occurrence or activity.
    • Example 1: Which event are you attending?
    • Example 2: Which event was the most memorable?
    • Example 3: Which event did you enjoy the most?

  73. Which party?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific social gathering.
    • Example 1: Which party are you going to?
    • Example 2: Which party was the best?
    • Example 3: Which party did you host?

  74. Which festival?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific celebration.
    • Example 1: Which festival do you celebrate?
    • Example 2: Which festival is your favourite?
    • Example 3: Which festival did you attend?

  75. Which holiday?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific vacation or public holiday.
    • Example 1: Which holiday do you prefer?
    • Example 2: Which holiday are you planning for?
    • Example 3: Which holiday is the busiest?

  76. Which language?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific form of communication.
    • Example 1: Which language are you learning?
    • Example 2: Which language is spoken here?
    • Example 3: Which language do you find most challenging?

  77. Which culture?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific societal way of life.
    • Example 1: Which culture do you admire?
    • Example 2: Which culture is most similar to yours?
    • Example 3: Which culture have you studied?

  78. Which tradition?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific custom or belief.
    • Example 1: Which tradition do you follow?
    • Example 2: Which tradition is most important to you?
    • Example 3: Which tradition is unique to your family?

  79. Which artwork?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific piece of art.
    • Example 1: Which artwork is your favourite?
    • Example 2: Which artwork did you buy?
    • Example 3: Which artwork do you admire?

  80. Which song?

    • Meaning: Used to ask about a specific piece of music.
    • Example 1: Which song do you like best?
    • Example 2: Which song is currently popular?
    • Example 3: Which song did they play first?

 

The most common question words in English are the following

 

 

what asking for information about something What is your name?
asking for repetition or confirmation of something somebody said    What did you say? I can't hear you.
You did what?

what...for

 asking for a reason, asking why What did you do that for?

when

 asking about the time of something When did he leave?

where

 asking in or at what place or position Where do they live?

 

which

 asking somebody to make a choice Which colour do you want?

who

 asking what or which person or people (subject) Who opened the door?

whom

 asking what or which person or people (object) Whom did you see?
whose asking about ownership Whose are these keys?
Whose turn is it?

why

 asking for a reason, asking what...for Why do you say that?

why don't

 making a suggestion to someone Why don't I help you?
how asking about manner How does this computer work?
asking about condition or quality How was your driving test?

how + adj/adv

 asking about the extent or degree of something see examples below

how far

 distance How far is Manchester from London?

how long

 length (time or space) How long will it take?

how many

 quantities (countable) How many bicycles are there in the shed?

how much

 quantity (uncountable) How much sugar do you have?

how old

 age How old will you be next week?

 

how come (informal)

 

 

Summary and Takeaways

This lesson on question words provides essential phrases and expressions to help ESL and TEFL learners enhance their questioning skills in English. By mastering these question words, learners can seek information, clarify doubts, and engage in meaningful conversations with confidence.

Learners should practice these question words regularly to become more comfortable with their use. Key question words like "which," "what," "where," and "why" will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and gather information.

To reinforce your learning, you can create dialogues using these question words, participate in role-playing exercises, and use flashcards to test your memory. Regular practice will help you retain these question words and use them confidently in your daily interactions.

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