Interrogative Sentence

 What Is an Interrogative Sentence?

An interrogative sentence is one which is generally used to ask a question in order to gather information about something. It can be questions about anything at all – casual or specific.

Take a look at the definitions given below to have a better understanding of what interrogative sentences are.

Definition of an Interrogative Sentence

An interrogative sentence, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is defined as “a sentence that asks a question or makes a request for information.” According to the Collins Dictionary, an interrogative sentence is one “denoting a form or construction used in asking a question.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an interrogative sentence as one “having the form or force of a question.”

Types of Interrogative Sentences with Examples

Interrogative sentences, normally used to ask someone about something, can be categorised into three different types namely,

Choice Questions

Yes/No Questions

Questions with ‘Wh’ Words

Now, let us look at each type of interrogative sentence in detail.

Choice Questions

This type of interrogative sentences can be used to find out about someone’s choice about their likes, dislikes and preferences.

For example:

Do you prefer coffee or tea along with breakfast?

What would you choose?

Do you like reading books or watching movies?

Yes/No Questions

This type of interrogative sentence, as the name suggests, only gets a yes or a no for an answer.

For example:

Will you come to the library with me?

Do you like ice cream?

Do you know the answer to this question?

Questions with ‘Wh’ Words

These types of interrogative sentences are used when you want to gather more information rather than just a yes or a no. These sentences begin with ‘Wh’ words like what, where, when, why, whom, which, whose and how.

For example:

What is your name?

Why are you late?

Where are you from?

When can you come?

Whose book is this?

Whom did you meet?

Which book is it?

How will you do it?