WH Question Words

We use question words to ask certain types of questions (question word questions). We often refer to them as WH words because they include the letters WH (for example WHy, HoW). Question Word what

Function asking for information about something asking for repetition or confirmation

Example What is your name?

What? I can't hear you. You did what? What did you do that for? When did he leave? Where do they live?

what...for

asking for a reason, asking why

when where

asking about time asking in or at what place or position asking about choice

which

Which colour do you want? Who opened the door? Whom did you see?

who

asking what or which person or people (subject) asking what or which person or people (object) asking about ownership

whom

whose

Whose are these keys? Whose turn is it? Why do you say that?

why

asking for reason, asking

what...for why don't how making a suggestion asking about manner asking about condition or quality how + adj/adv how far asking about extent or degree distance Why don't I help you? How does this work? How was your exam?

see examples below How far is Pattaya from Bangkok? How long will it take? How many cars are there? How much money do you have? How old are you? How come I can't see her?

how long how many

length (time or space) quantity (countable)

how much

quantity (uncountable)

how old how come (informal)

age asking for reason, asking why