Information Question

Information Questions 

We have a very clear idea because the word start with the W. The answers for simple questions in English are "Yes," "No," or "I don't know" (or its equivalent). The answers for information questions are varied--because they are used to ask about specific kinds of information. Information questions are also called "Wh-" questions because many of the words that are used to ask this type of question begin with Wh-. Information Questions: Common Question Words   Use this question word to ask about Who* people (names and other identifying information) used as subjects* Whom* people (names and other identifying information) used as objects* What things (subject or object) Whose* ( + noun) ownership Where locations (places) When time (general) What time time (specific) What . . . do actions (verbs) Why* reasons What ( + noun) one part of a group (when all of the parts are not known) Which ( + noun) one part of a group (when the parts are known) What kind of ( + noun) descriptive names for categories What color colors How manner; methods How many ( + noun) number (used with countable nouns) How much ( + noun) quantity (used with uncountable nouns) How long* duration (periods of time); length How far* distance How old age How ( + adjective or adverb) degree or extent ____________________________________________   Special Notes 1. In careful writing and speaking, who is used for subjects and whom is used for objects, but in "relaxed" (casual) speech, who is often used for both subjects and objects. The difference in meaning is clear, however, because the grammar for subject and object questions is different (to be treated later). 2. Whose (for ownership) sounds the same asWho's ( = Who is or Who has), but their meanings are quite different. 3. Two idiomatic "Why" questions are very commonly heard in everyday conversation:How come? and What for? How come does not use question grammar: it's followed by a statement. What for can be used alone or with What at the beginning and for at the end. Except for this requirement, it uses question grammar. 4. How far is normally used in this way: How far is it . . . . .? 5. How is also common with adjectives used in measurements: How tall / How heavy / How long (length) / How wide / How big, etc.