Question Formation
Form yes/no questions and wh- questions with the right word order.
What Is It?
English questions usually put an auxiliary verb before the subject: You are ready → Are you ready? Wh- questions add a question word at the start: Where are you going?
Why Do English Speakers Use It?
Asking clear questions is essential in conversation, interviews and travel. Wrong word order is one of the most common learner errors.
When to Use It
- Yes/no questions: Do you like tea? Is she here?
- Wh- questions: What, where, when, why, who, how
- Subject questions (no do): Who called you?
- Polite indirect questions: Could you tell me where the bank is?
When NOT to Use It
Don’t use statement order in direct questions (“Where you are going?”), and don’t add do/does when “who” or “what” is the subject (“Who did call?”).
Sentence Structure
| Question word | Auxiliary | Subject + main verb |
|---|---|---|
| — | Do | you speak English? |
| Where | does | she work? |
| Why | have | they left? |
Grammar Rules
- Remember QASM: Question word, Auxiliary, Subject, Main verb.
- No auxiliary in the statement? Add do / does / did.
- With “be”, just swap: She is → Is she?
- Indirect questions use statement order: Do you know where he lives?
Real-Life Examples
- What time does the shop open?
- Have you seen Joe?
- Who wrote this email?
- How long have you lived here?
Common Learner Mistakes
- Where you live?Where do you live?
- What means this word?What does this word mean?
- Who did break the glass?Who broke the glass?
Quick Memory Tip
Think QASM: Question word – Auxiliary – Subject – Main verb. “Where (Q) does (A) she (S) work (M)?”
Real Conversation
Joe: Excuse me, could you tell me where the station is?
Stranger: Sure. Do you see that bank? It’s just behind it.
Joe: Great. How long does it take to walk there?
Interactive Practice
Pick an answer to check your understanding.
Question 1 of 3
What time ___ the train leave?
Question 2 of 3
Someone asks, “What do you do?” What does this question mean?
Question 3 of 3
“Could you show me ___ on the map?”
Final Mini Quiz
One last check before you mark the lesson complete.
Which question is correct?
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