by Dr. Radut

Types of Questions in English: Examples and Explanations

Types of Questions in English

As a language, English has several types of questions that can be used to ask for information, clarify a point, or seek confirmation. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different types of questions in English, provide examples of each type, and explain how to form them correctly.

Yes/No Questions

Yes/no questions are questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." To form a yes/no question in English, you can use an auxiliary verb (such as "do," "does," "did," "will," or "would") followed by the subject and the main verb.

Examples:

  • Do you like ice cream?
  • Does she speak Spanish?
  • Did he go to the movies last night?
  • Will you come to my party?
  • Would you mind closing the window?

Wh-Questions

Wh-questions begin with a word like "what," "when," "where," "who," "whom," "whose," "why," or "how." To form a wh-question in English, place the wh-word at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the auxiliary verb (if there is one), the subject, and the main verb.

Examples:

  • What do you want for dinner?
  • When is your birthday?
  • Where did you go on vacation?
  • Who is your favorite musician?
  • Whom are you talking to?
  • Whose book is this?
  • Why did you decide to do that?
  • How did you learn to play the guitar?

Choice Questions

Choice questions offer a choice between two or more options. To form a choice question in English, use an auxiliary verb (such as "do," "does," "did," "will," or "would") followed by the subject and the main verb, then present the options separated by "or."

Examples:

  • Do you want pizza or Chinese food for dinner?
  • Does he prefer the red shirt or the blue one?
  • Did you study math or science yesterday?
  • Will you come with me or stay here?
  • Would you like coffee or tea?

Tag Questions

Tag questions are added to the end of a statement to turn it into a question. To form a tag question in English, use an auxiliary verb followed by the subject and the main verb, then add the tag question at the end. The tag question should be the opposite of the main verb in the statement.

Examples:

  • She's from France, isn't she?
  • You're going to the store, right?
  • They like ice cream, don't they?
  • He's going to the party, isn't he?
  • We're having a good time, aren't we?

Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" or with a single word or phrase; they require a more detailed answer. To form an open-ended question, use a wh-word at the beginning, followed by the auxiliary verb (if there is one), the subject, and the main verb.

Examples:

  • What did you do yesterday?
  • When is your flight?
  • Where are you going for vacation?
  • Who are you meeting for lunch?
  • Whom did you call?

Whether you are learning English as a second language or simply want to improve your language skills, understanding how to ask different types of questions is an important aspect of effective communication. By reviewing the examples and explanations provided above, you should now have a better understanding of the different types of questions in English and how to form them correctly.

Here’s the quiz formatted with normal text and the answers listed at the bottom:

Quiz on Types of Questions

Test your understanding of the different types of questions in English by answering the following questions. Choose the best answer for each question.

Question 1: Yes/No Question  
What is the correct yes/no question form for the statement: "You like chocolate."?  
A) Do you like chocolate?  
B) You like chocolate, right?  
C) What do you like about chocolate?

Question 2: Wh-Question  
Which of the following is a correctly formed wh-question?  
A) What you are doing?  
B) What are you doing?  
C) What do you doing?

Question 3: Choice Question  
Choose the correct choice question format:  
A) Do you prefer coffee or tea?  
B) Prefer you coffee or tea?  
C) Do you coffee or tea prefer?

Question 4: Tag Question  
What is the correct tag question for the statement: "You're coming to the party?"  
A) You're coming to the party, aren't you?  
B) You come to the party, right?  
C) You are coming to the party, will you?

Question 5: Open-Ended Question  
Which of the following is an example of an open-ended question?  
A) Did you go to the store?  
B) What did you buy at the store?  
C) Do you like shopping?

Answers:

  • 1. A) Do you like chocolate?
  • 2. B) What are you doing?
  • 3. A) Do you prefer coffee or tea?
  • 4. A) You're coming to the party, aren't you?
  • 5. B) What did you buy at the store?