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Basic Question Types

There are 3 basic types of question:

  1. Yes/No Questions (the answer to the question is "Yes" or "No")
  2. Question Word Questions (the answer to the question is "Information")
  3. Choice Questions (the answer to the question is "in the question")

1. Yes/No Questions

auxiliary verbsubjectmain verb Answer
Yes or No
Doyouwantdinner?Yes, I do.
Canyoudrive? No, I can't.
Hasshefinishedher work?Yes, she has.
Didtheygohome?No, they didn't.
Exception! verb be simple present and simple past
 IsAnneFrench?Yes, she is.
 WasRamat home?No, he wasn't.

2. Question Word Questions

question wordauxiliary verbsubjectmain verb Answer
Information
Wheredoyoulive? In Paris.
Whenwillwehavelunch?At 1pm.
Whodidshemeet? She met Ram.
Whyhasn'tTaradoneit?Because she can't.
Exception! verb be simple present and simple past
WhereisBombay?In India.
Howwasshe?Very well.

3. Choice Questions

auxiliary verbsubjectmain verb OR Answer
In the question
Doyouwantteaorcoffee?Coffee, please.
WillwemeetJohnorJames?John.
Didshegoto LondonorNew York?She went to London.
Exception! verb be simple present and simple past
 Isyour carwhiteorblack?It's black.
 Werethey$15or$50?$15.

Now check your understanding »

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These pages show the three basic types of question. There are other types of question, for example tag questions.
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