15 Types of frequently used question words, complete with example sentences

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Question words help clarify meaning in a conversation.

Brilio.net - Question words are an important element in language used to obtain information, express curiosity, or open a conversation more interactively. These words are often used in everyday life, both in formal and informal conversations. By understanding the various types of question words, you can more easily understand the structure of questions in various contexts, both written and spoken.

In a conversation, question words function as a link between the person asking and the person answering. The use of appropriate question words can help in digging deeper and more specific information. For example, question words such as "who" or "what" can be used to ask about an identity or object, while "why" is used to find the reason or cause behind an event. Understanding the function of each question word is essential to communicating effectively.

In addition, question words can also help clarify the intent in a conversation. For example, when someone asks something, often the answer given depends on the question word used. If there is no question word, then the sentence will not have a clear purpose and there will be no room for a specific answer. Therefore, the use of question words is vital in forming informative communication.

Question words are not only functional in everyday conversation, but are also important in education, journalism, and even business. In education, teachers often use question words to evaluate students' understanding. Meanwhile, in journalism, question words are the main tool in news gathering. With these various uses, question words are one of the basic parts that need to be understood in grammar.

Here are various types of question words along with example sentences, as reported by brilio.net from various sources, Friday (6/9).

frequently used question words examples
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The question word "what" is used to ask about something that is an object, event, or other thing.

Example: What are you reading?

"Who" is used to ask about the identity of a person or subject in a sentence.

Example: Who won the match?

This question word functions to ask the reason or cause of an event.

Example: Why are you late coming to the office?

"When" is used to ask when an event occurred.

Example: When will your wedding take place?

The question word "where" is used to ask about the location or place of an event.

Example: Where did you keep the car keys?

frequently used question words examples
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"How" is used to ask about the way or process of something happening.

Example: How to use this application?

This question word is used to ask about quantities or numbers.

Example: How much are those shoes?

"Which" is used to ask for a choice between several objects or subjects.

Example: Which shoes do you want to buy?

"Where from" is used to ask about the origin of a place, thing, or person.

Example: Where did you get that information?

This question word is used to ask about the purpose or intention of something.

Example: Why did you buy so many books?

"How much" is used to ask about the level or size.

Example: How far is your house from school?

This question word is used to ask about people who are friends in an activity.

Example: Who are you going to the party with tonight?

"Where to" is used to ask the purpose of a movement.

Example: Where are you going after dinner?

This question word is used to ask about the purpose of the recipient of an item or action.

Example: Who is the gift given to?

"From whom" is used to ask about the origin of information or an object.

Example: Who did you receive this invitation from?

(brl/psa)