Interrogative Sentence – Definition, Meaning, Types & 10+ Examples

Interrogative Sentence: Have you ever asked something like “Where is my lunchbox” or “Can we play now”. If you have, then you have already used an interrogative sentence. Learn what is Interrogative sentence here. An interrogative sentence is simply a sentence that is always used to ask a question

We ask questions every day. Questions help us learn new things, find answers, and talk with others. Here, we have discussed the Interrogative Sentence definition, different types and the Interrogative sentence rules for writing them correctly, with simple examples to make them easy to understand.

Also read: Comprehension - Definition & Meaning

What is Interrogative Sentence?

An interrogative sentence is a type of sentence that is used to ask a question in order to find out something. These sentences always end with a question mark (?). In the next section we will learn Interrogative Sentence definition.

Interrogative Sentence Meaning

Let's understand interrogative sentence meaning here. An interrogative sentence is one that always starts with a question mark and asks a simple question. It uses specialized forms, frequently starting with interrogative terms like "who" or "what," or inverting the subject and auxiliary verb to form a question, and serves the purpose of gathering information, clarifying facts, confirming something, and simply asking.  

Definition of Interrogative Sentence

Different dictionaries have given slightly different definition of interrogative sentence. Let’s look at it.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a sentence that asks a question or makes a request for information.”

The Collins Dictionary explains it as a sentence used for “asking a question.”

In simple words, an interrogative sentence is used to ask something and always ends with a question mark.

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Uses of Interrogative Sentences

The main reason we use interrogative sentence is to ask a question. But did you know that these sentences can do more than just ask things?

Here are some ways we use interrogative sentences in everyday life:

1. To Ask a Direct Question: This is the most common use. We ask someone something directly. Example: What time is the movie?

2. To Request Clarification: Sometimes we ask a question because we did not understand something and want it explained. Example: What do you mean by that?

3. To Confirm Something: We can use a question to check if something is true. Example: Are you sure we have no homework?

4. To Gather Information: We ask questions to learn more or find out facts. Example: How does this game work?

Asking questions is an important part of learning and talking with others. That’s why interrogative sentences are so important.

Also read: Possessive Adjectives: Definition, Common Mistakes, and Examples

How Do We Make Interrogative Sentences?

When we ask a question, we usually start the sentence in one of these two ways:

1. With a Question Word

These are also called WH-words because most of them begin with “wh.” Here are some common question words:

• What

• Where

• When

• Who

• Why

• How

Example: Where do you live?

This sentence starts with “Where,” so it’s an interrogative sentence.

2. With a Helping Verb

Sometimes, we start a question with a helping verb like:

• Do

• Does

• Did

• Is

• Are

• Can

• Will

Example: Do you like ice cream?

This sentence begins with “Do,” which makes it a question too.

List of 10 Interrogative Sentences Examples

Here are 10 easy and fun interrogative sentence examples. You can read them out loud and try answering them too.

1. What is your name?

2. Where is your school?

3. Do you have a pet?

4. Can you ride a bicycle?

5. Why are you laughing?

6. How do you spell your last name?

7. Is your homework finished?

8. When is your birthday?

9. Did you eat your lunch?

10. Who is your best friend?

Also read: Phrasal Verbs: Definition, Types, and Examples

Types of Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative sentences are questions that help us find out information. There are three main types:

• Choice Questions

• Yes or No Questions

• Wh- Questions

Let’s learn about each type with new interrogative sentence examples.

1. Choice Questions

These questions ask someone to choose between two or more things. You use them when you want to know someone’s preference.

Examples:

• Would you like pancakes or waffles for breakfast?

• Should we play football or basketball after school?

• Do you want to sit inside or outside?

These questions give clear options to pick from.

2. Yes or No Questions

These are questions that can be answered with just a “yes” or a “no.” They are short and to the point.

Examples:

• Are you wearing your school uniform today?

• Did you finish your homework last night?

• Can you swim across the pool?

They are often used to check facts or get a quick answer.

3. Wh- Questions

These questions start with words like what, where, when, who, why, which, whose, and how. They are used when you want more information than just yes or no.

Examples:

• Where did you put your lunchbox?

• Why is the dog barking?

• How do you open this jar?

• Which team are you cheering for?

• Whose pencil is on the floor?

These questions help you learn details and understand things better.

Also read: Auxiliary Verbs: Types, Examples, and Fun Learning Tips

Direct and Indirect Interrogative Sentences

Now let’s learn about direct and indirect interrogative sentences. They are both ways to ask questions, but they sound a little different.

Direct Interrogative Sentence

A direct interrogative sentence is a question that is asked in a clear and straight way. It usually begins with a question word or helping verb and always ends with a question mark.

Example: Where is your pencil case?

This sentence is direct. You are asking someone the question right away and expecting an answer.

Indirect Interrogative Sentence

An indirect interrogative sentence is a question that sounds softer or more polite. It is often used when asking a question as part of a longer sentence. 

Example: Can you tell me where your pencil case is?

This is still a question, but it is said more gently. You are not asking “Where is your pencil case?” directly. Instead, you are politely asking someone to tell you.

Points to Remember When Using Interrogative Sentences

Here are some easy tips to help you form correct interrogative sentences:

1. Begin with a capital letter, just like any other sentence.

2. Start the question with a question word (like what, where, when, why, how, who) or a helping verb (like is, are, do, does, can, will).

3. Always end the sentence with a question mark ( ? ). That shows it is a question.

4. The word order is different from a normal sentence. In a question, the verb often comes before the subject. For Example,

 She is your teacher. → (statement)

Is she your teacher? → (question).

These simple Interrogative sentence rules will help you ask correct and clear questions every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Using Interrogative Sentences

Here are some common mistakes kids make and how to fix them:

1. Not changing word order

Wrong: You are going to school?

 Right: Are you going to school?

2. Using the wrong verb

Wrong: Do you can swim?

Right: Can you swim?

3. Forgetting the question mark

Wrong: Where are my shoes

Right: Where are my shoes?

Always remember to use correct word order, choose the right helping verb, and add the question mark.

Also read: How to Improve English Speaking Skills at Home

Let’s Practice Together

Here are some practice questions. Can you tell if they are interrogative sentences?

1. What time is it

2. I have a red pencil

3. Do you want to join us

4. The cat is on the roof

5. Who is your favorite teacher

Answers:

1. Yes, but it needs a question mark.

2. No, this is not a question.

3. Yes, but it needs a question mark.

4. No, this is a statement.

5. Yes, but it needs a question mark.

Also read: Role of Reading in Improving English Vocabulary

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