Interrogative: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know what an interrogative is? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on interrogatives, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!

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What is an interrogative?

According to Thought Co, an interrogative in English grammar is a type of sentence that asks a question. Unlike a declarative statement, exclamatory sentences, declarative sentence, imperative sentence, or other common sentence type, interrogative forms ask a question. These are usually denoted by the word order of the subject and predicate. These often use an auxiliary verb or helping verb in addition to the main verb. These often contain wh-questions formed by a question word, like who, what, where, when and why. 

There are many types of interrogatives that can ask direct questions or indirect questions, a multiple choice question, tag questions, positive questions, negative questions, or a complex question with a complex explanation, a complete thought with a simple response and more question types. The ending of an interrogative is a question mark. These sentence types may come easy to a native English speaker, while others must use syntax and intonation to determine what is a question. These might use interrogative particles, an interrogative pronoun, an interrogative clause, an interrogative adverb, and more. Interrogative is five syllables – in-ter-rog-a-tive.

What is an example of an interrogative sentence?

An interrogative sentence can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! Below are following examples of interrogative sentences that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use.  Take a look at these interrogative sentence examples from Your Dictionary and English Study Here! 

  •  Which car would make you happier?
  •  Why didn’t you go to school?
  •  Where did I leave my car keys?
  •  What kind of music do you like?
  •  Are your shoes on?
  •  How many topics do you have to study?
  •  Did you eat lunch yet?
  •  Did Rog make it to the airport in time to register?
  •  Did you buy whichever Lewis Carroll novel you wanted?
  •  John, did you do you homework or do I have to take you to the police?
  •  Did you get the invite with the instructions?
  •  Did you take your vitamin this morning?
  •  Can I get some feedback on my essay?
  •  Will you go abroad after you finish school?
  •  Where was your school, I want to leave you today?
  •  Whose pants are these?
  •  When will you visit your moms?
  •  Did we make a cake for you ?
  •  Why did Suzie leave so late?
  •  Whose is this red big notebook?
  •  How did it get so late so soon?
  •  Where can I see you again?
  •  Who is coming to the play?
  •  Do you prefer vanilla ice cream over other flavors?
  •  Why haven’t you started studying?
  •  What is the right way to iron a shirt?
  •  You think you’re so smart, don’t you?
  •  Who finished your meal today, raise your hands?
  •  Why is the sky blue?
  •  When do you intend to move here?
  •  Has this day at the Boston mall been one of the best days, or is it just me?
  •  Whose birthday today?
  •  Where in the world did I leave my phone?
  •  Tell me what you’re doing today?
  •  When did you finish your school?
  •  How far is it between the school and the house?
  •  How kind of school do you want to study at?
  •  Will you be home soon, or should I eat without you?
  •   How are you today?
  •  Whom did you see yesterday?
  •  Who fixed the computer?
  •  When are the best days to go to the mall?
  •  Who did you give the last cookie to?
  •  Who knows the answers to these questions?
  •  Should I call or email you?
  •  How many times do you smoke?
  •  There’s no food in your bag, is there?
  •  Whose socks are these?
  •  Where shall we go?
  •  When can I get the answer to these questions?
  •  Wherefore art thou Romeo? – Romeo & Juliet
  •  Which is the best route to the circus?
  •  When are the best days to go to the mall?
  •  Can’t we be friends again?
  •  You’re a cute one, aren’t you?
  •  What kind of music do you listen to?
  •  To whom shall I give the test results?
  •  Tidy up the kitchen, won’t you?
  •  What is your name?
  •  Where do you live?
  •  Why are you bored?
  •  Did you have a problem finding parking?
  •  Is she mad or just tired?
  •  Do you think I should go home or stay a little longer?
  •  She’s an excellent violinist, isn’t she?
  •  What sort of nation might you want to live in?
  •  Where did you lose your bracelet?
  •  Who is the best shortstop in the Major Leagues?
  •  How do you manage to laugh like this?
  •  Who do you love, you can tell us?
  •  Would you like cookies or a banana for dessert?
  •  Why are so scared of me?
  •  Whom did you call to the party tomorrow?
  •  If you had to give up chocolate or steak, which would you choose?
  •  Was the movie enjoyable?
  •  Where is your new cat?
  •  Why are you not interested?
  •  Which do you prefer, white or red?
  •  How many movies did you watch this month?
  •  Are you going to the game Friday night?
  •  Why was she so grumpy yesterday?
  •  Were you too late?
  •  What do you think about this subject?
  •  What kind of music do you want to dance to?
  •  How did you get here alone?
  •  Did the girls get to school on time?
  •  Are you going on holiday this weekend?
  •  Is the dog okay, or should we go to the vet?
  •  Whose book did you bring me?
  •  Does she have black hair?

Overall, an interrogative sentence is a question.

Sources:

  1. interrogative: meaning, origin, translation | Word Sense 
  2. 50 Examples with Interrogative Sentences, Interrogative Sentences | English Study Here 
  3. Interrogative Sentence Examples | Your Dictionary 
  4. Interrogative Sentences and See Examples | Thought CoÂ