Formation of Interrogative Sentences
Formation of Interrogative Sentences
Formation of Interrogative Sentences
Part I
http://www.englishpractice.com/grammar/formation-interrogative-
sentences-part/
Simple present
In order to change an assertive sentence in the simple present tense into an interrogative
sentence, we use do or does as the first word followed by the subject, verb and the object.
Note that we use do with I, you and plural subjects. Does is used with singular subjects.
Note that if the interrogative sentence is in the negative, we begin it with do not or does not.
When the affirmative sentence contains the primary auxiliaries is, am, are, has or have, the
interrogative sentence will begin with these words.
When the affirmative sentence contains the auxiliaries can, may, will, shall etc, the
interrogative sentence will begin with these words.
I am doing sums.
We are looking at the black-board.
They were playing with the toys.
She is writing a letter to her friend.
They are waiting for us?
They are going to the market.
An interrogative sentence in the present continuous tense has the following structure.
Am I doing sums?
Are we looking at the black-board?
Were they playing with the toys?
Are you coming with us?
Is she writing a letter to her friend?
Are they waiting for us?
Are they going to the market?
The present perfect tense indicates the completion of an action. It has the following form:
An interrogative sentence in the present perfect tense has the following structure.
An interrogative sentence in the present perfect continuous tense has the following structure:
Interrogative sentences in the simple past tense begin with did. Sometimes question words
such as who, why, how, where etc., may precede did.
Interrogative sentences in the past continuous tense have the following structure:
Question words (why, where, how, when etc.) may sometimes precede was/were.
Interrogative sentences in the past perfect tense have the following structure:
The question words who, why, where etc., may sometimes precede had.
Sentences in the past perfect continuous tense have the following structure:
Interrogative sentences in the past perfect continuous tense have the following structure:
Interrogative sentences in the simple future tense have the following structure:
Interrogative sentences in the future perfect tense have the following structure:
Note that sentences in the future perfect continuous tenses are no longer used.