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Topic: Comparison of interrogative sentences in English and Vietnamese
Part 1: Introduction
This report aims to provide analyzed data on the comparison of interrogative
sentence structure in English and Vietnamese.
The data below helps language learners understand the basic differences and
similarities in the way questions are formed and used in both languages. By
examining question structure, translators can better navigate the nuances of each
language, leading to more accurate translations. For students learning either
language, understanding interrogative structures can improve the ability to ask
questions and understand answers, which is important for effective communication.
The scope of this report includes 4 main parts. We hope to provide a detailed
perspective based on available data information.
Part 2: Main content

1. Definition of interrogative sentence structure
 In English: An interrogative sentence, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is

defined as “a sentence that asks a question or makes a request for information.”
According to the Collins Dictionary, an interrogative sentence is one “denoting a
form or construction used in asking a question.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
defines an interrogative sentence as one “having the form or force of a question.”
(https://byjus.com/english/interrogative-sentences/)
 In Vietnamese: Theo SGK lớp 8 Tập 2 trang 11, câu nghi vẫn là câu có những từ
nghi vấn (ai, gì, nào, sao, tại sao, đâu, bao giờ, bao nhiêu, à, ư, hả, chứ, (có) ...
không, (đã) ... chưa, ... ) hoặc có từ hay (nối các vế có quan hệ lựa chọn) có chức
năng chính là dùng để hỏi. Khi viết, câu nghi vấn kết thúc bằng dấu chấm hỏi.
 Theo tôi, câu nghi vấn là loại câu với mục đích là hỏi những điều mình không biết,
đang có thắc mắc hoặc nghi ngờ để tìm ra câu trả lời.
2. Comparing the similarities and differences in the structure of interrogative
sentences in English and Vietnames
a) Yes-No questions.
In English
Example: "Did you enjoy the movie?"
In Vietnam
Example: Bạn có thích bộ phim này không?
 Similarities
Both languages typically maintain subject-verb agreement in questions. In English,
for example, the auxiliary verb "do" is used to indicate questions in the present tense
for most subjects. In Vietnamese, while the word order might not change
dramatically from the declarative form, the question particle or word still aligns with
the subject in terms of meaning
 Differences
Both languages typically maintain subject-verb agreement in questions. In English,
for example, the auxiliary verb "do" is used to indicate questions in the present tense
for most subjects. In Vietnamese, while the word order might not change
dramatically from the declarative form, the question particle or word still aligns with
the subject in terms of meaning
b) Wh.questions
In English
Example: What is your name?
In Vietnam
Ví dụ: Bạn tên là gì?
 Similarities
 Both English and Vietnamese use questions to request information. Both languages use
"wh" words such as "what", "where", "when", "why", "how" to ask about specific
information. For example, "What is your name?" (What's your name?) and "What's your
name?".
 Differences
 The order of words in questions may vary. In English, it's usually "wh" + verb + subject,
while in Vietnamese it's usually subject + verb + "wh". For example, "Where do you live?"
(Bạn đang sống ở đâu?) and "Bạn đang sống ở đâu?". English also has an inversion
question structure when the question begins with the word "wh" and the verb "to be" or the
auxiliary verb "do/does/did". In Vietnamese, there is no such inversion structure. For
example, "Where are you going?" (Bạn đang đi đâu?) and "Bạn đang đi đâu?".
c) Alterative questions
In English
Example: Do you want tea or coffee?
Are they going to travel by train or by plane?
Structure : Auxiliary verb (be, do or have) + subject + main verb or with a modal
verb + subject + main verb
In Vietnamese
Ví dụ: Bạn muốn uống trà hay cà phê?
Họ sẽ đi bằng tàu hay máy bay?
 Similarities
The similarity is that both languages use choice questions to ask the listener to
choose one of two options given. The structure of “alternative questions” in both
languages includes two parts, each containing one choice and connected by the word
"or" in English and "hay" in Vietnamese
 Diffirences
In English, the word "or" is used to connect options, while Vietnamese uses the word
"hay". Besides, the intonation when asking “alternative questions” in English often
increases at the end of the sentence. In Vietnamese, it is not necessary to change the
intonation. In English, “alternative choice” questions can be used not only in daily
communication but also in formal contexts, while Vietnamese often uses question
sentences. Ask for options in a more colloquial wayay" in Vietnamese
d) Tag questions
In English
Example: “You’re coming to the party, aren’t you?”
Structure: Positive statement + negative tag
Negative statement + positive tag
In Vietnam
Ví dụ: “Bạn sẽ đến bữa tiệc, phải không?”
 Simlarities
Both languages use 'tag questions' to confirm information or request consent from
listeners. The structure of the 'tag question' usually consists of an affirmative or
negative sentence, followed by a brief question to confirm.
 Differences
In English, 'tag question' is often more grammatically complicated because it must
match the tense and number of the verb in the main sentence. In Vietnamese, 'tag
question' is often simpler, just add 'right?' Or 'is that right?' At the end of the
sentence without changing the grammar of the main sentence. English uses many
variations of 'tag question' depending on the context, while Vietnamese often uses a
fixed number of expressions.
Part 3: Conclusion
Interrogative sentences serve the same basic purpose in both English and
Vietnamese: asking questions and gathering information. However, their
construction structures are different. In English, the formation of interrogative
sentences often requires subject-subordinate inversion or the use of modal verbs
before the subject. This can lead to many different types of questions, including yes-
no questions, Wh questions, and tag questions. In contrast, Vietnamese maintain a
structure that often follows the same word order as affirmative sentences. Question
words are placed at the beginning of sentences to indicate interrogation without
requiring subject-verb inversion. Despite these differences, both languages use
question words that end with question marks, ensuring clarity and suggesting
answers.

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Topic: Comparison of interrogative sentences in English and Vietnamese

Part 2: Main content

 In English: An interrogative sentence, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is

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