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Questions: typical errors

In *wh-*questions, the word order changes from subject + (auxiliary/modal) + main verb to *wh-*word + auxiliary/modal verb + subject + main verb:

  • What was she eating?
  • Not: What she was eating?

In yes-no questions, the word order changes from subject + (auxiliary verb) + main verb to auxiliary verb + subject + main verb:

  • Were you talking to Johnny?
  • Did you tell Rosa about what happened?

If there is no auxiliary verb in the affirmative, we use do before the subject:

  • Do you agree?

  • Not: Are you agree?

  • What does art mean?

  • Not: What art means? or What means art?

We can only use auxiliary and modal verbs, not main verbs, before the subject:

  • Where was the painting bought?
  • Not: Where was bought the painting?
  • How is the fish cooked?
  • Not: How is cooked the fish?

We use what, not which, to ask about specific information from a general range of possible answers:

  • What*’s the name of the man who owns your company?*
  • Not: Which is the name of the man who owns your company?
See also
  • Questions: yes-no questions (Are you feeling cold?)
  • Questions: *wh-*questions
  • Questions: interrogative pronouns (what, who)