Have you ever asked a question in English and wondered whether to use who or whom? Or maybe you’ve seen whose and which in questions and weren’t quite sure why they were used? That’s where interrogative pronouns come in.
Interrogative pronouns are special words we use to ask questions. They help us find out information about people, things, or choices. Words like who, what, and which are small but mighty—they allow us to form questions that open conversations and gather details.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about interrogative pronouns. You’ll learn:
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What they are
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How each one is used
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How to choose the correct pronoun in different situations
Whether you’re preparing for an English test, improving your conversation skills, or just brushing up on grammar, this article will give you the tools to ask questions with confidence and clarity.
Packed with explanations, sentence examples, and practice exercises, this is your go-to resource for mastering interrogative pronouns. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Interrogative Pronouns
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Interrogative Pronouns
- Examples of Interrogative Pronouns in Sentences
- Usage Rules for Interrogative Pronouns
- Common Mistakes with Interrogative Pronouns
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Interrogative Pronouns
Interrogative pronouns are pronouns used to ask questions. They introduce questions that seek information about people, things, or possessions. Unlike other types of pronouns that replace nouns, interrogative pronouns stand at the beginning of a question to inquire about something specific. They are crucial for forming questions in English and understanding their function is essential for effective communication.
Interrogative pronouns can function as the subject or object of a sentence, depending on the information being requested. They help to identify the unknown element in a sentence, prompting a response that fills in the missing piece of information. The five main interrogative pronouns in English are who, whom, what, which, and whose. Each pronoun has a specific purpose and is used in different contexts.
The choice of interrogative pronoun depends on the type of information you are seeking. For example, who and whom are used to ask about people, while what is used to ask about things or actions. Which is used to ask about a specific item from a limited set of options, and whose is used to ask about possession. Understanding these distinctions is key to using interrogative pronouns correctly.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of a question with an interrogative pronoun typically follows this pattern: Interrogative Pronoun + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + …?. However, this can vary depending on whether the interrogative pronoun is the subject of the sentence or the object.
When the interrogative pronoun is the subject, the structure is simpler: Interrogative Pronoun + Verb + …?. This occurs when you are asking who or what is performing an action. For example, “Who is coming to the party?” Here, “who” is the subject of the sentence.
When the interrogative pronoun is the object, the structure is more complex and requires an auxiliary verb. For example, “Whom did you see at the store?” Here, “whom” is the object of the verb “see.” The auxiliary verb “did” is necessary to form the question correctly.
Understanding these structural differences is crucial for constructing grammatically correct questions.
Types of Interrogative Pronouns
There are five main interrogative pronouns in English, each with its own specific use:
- Who
- Whom
- What
- Which
- Whose
Who
Who is used to ask questions about people, specifically the subject of the verb. It refers to the person performing the action. It’s used when you want to know the identity of someone.
Example: Who is teaching the class?
Whom
Whom is also used to ask questions about people, but specifically the object of the verb or preposition. It is more formal than “who” and is becoming less common in everyday speech, with “who” often used in its place. However, it is still important to understand its correct usage.
Example: To whom did you give the book?
What
What is used to ask questions about things, actions, or ideas. It is used when you want to know the nature or identity of something that is not a person.
Example: What is your favorite color?
Which
Which is used to ask questions when there is a limited set of options. It implies that the answer is one of a few specific choices. It is used to ask about a specific item from a known group.
Example: Which shirt do you prefer, the blue one or the red one?
Whose
Whose is used to ask questions about possession or ownership. It is used when you want to know who something belongs to.
Example: Whose car is parked outside?
Examples of Interrogative Pronouns in Sentences
Here are several examples of interrogative pronouns used in sentences, categorized by type. These examples illustrate how each pronoun functions in different contexts.
Who Examples
The following table provides examples of “who” used in various sentences. “Who” is primarily used to inquire about the subject of a verb.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Who is coming to the party? | Asks about the person attending the party. |
| Who told you that secret? | Asks about the person who revealed the secret. |
| Who wants to go to the movies? | Asks about the person interested in going to the movies. |
| Who is responsible for this mess? | Asks about the person accountable for the mess. |
| Who wrote this book? | Asks about the author of the book. |
| Who called me last night? | Asks about the person who made the phone call. |
| Who ate my sandwich? | Asks about the person who consumed the sandwich. |
| Who is the president of the company? | Asks about the person holding the presidential position. |
| Who will be the next speaker? | Asks about the person scheduled to speak next. |
| Who knows the answer to this question? | Asks about the person who possesses the answer. |
| Who is knocking at the door? | Asks about the person making the knocking sound. |
| Who left this package here? | Asks about the person who placed the package. |
| Who wants to volunteer? | Asks about the person willing to volunteer. |
| Who can help me with this problem? | Asks about the person capable of assisting. |
| Who is in charge here? | Asks about the person responsible for the location. |
| Who needs a ride home? | Asks about the person requiring transportation. |
| Who is the best player on the team? | Asks about the person considered the top performer. |
| Who is your favorite singer? | Asks about the person preferred as a singer. |
| Who is going to win the game? | Asks about the person predicted to win. |
| Who is the smartest person you know? | Asks about the person considered the most intelligent. |
| Who wants pizza for dinner? | Asks about the person desiring pizza. |
| Who will take care of the dog? | Asks about the person responsible for dog care. |
| Who is available to work this weekend? | Asks about the person free to work. |
| Who designed this building? | Asks about the person responsible for the building design. |
| Who is the new employee? | Asks about the person identified as the new employee. |
Whom Examples
The following table provides examples of “whom” used in sentences. “Whom” is used to inquire about the object of a verb or preposition.
While less common in informal speech, it’s important for formal writing and understanding grammatical correctness.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Whom did you see at the party? | Asks about the person seen at the party. |
| To whom did you give the book? | Asks about the person who received the book. |
| With whom are you going to the concert? | Asks about the person accompanying you to the concert. |
| For whom are you waiting? | Asks about the person being waited for. |
| Whom should I ask for help? | Asks about the person who should be asked for assistance. |
| Whom did the police arrest? | Asks about the person the police apprehended. |
| Whom did you invite to the wedding? | Asks about the person who received a wedding invitation. |
| Whom are you referring to? | Asks about the person being referenced. |
| Whom did you nominate for the award? | Asks about the person nominated for the award. |
| Whom did she marry? | Asks about the person she married. |
| Whom are they interviewing for the job? | Asks about the person being interviewed. |
| Whom did you blame for the accident? | Asks about the person who was blamed. |
| Whom did you choose as your partner? | Asks about the person selected as a partner. |
| Whom are you trying to contact? | Asks about the person being contacted. |
| Whom does this belong to? | Asks about the person who owns the object. |
| Whom are you going to vote for? | Asks about the person being voted for. |
| Whom are you supporting in the election? | Asks about the person being supported in the election. |
| Whom are you trying to impress? | Asks about the person being impressed. |
| Whom did the company hire? | Asks about the person the company hired. |
| Whom did you consider for the position? | Asks about the person considered for the position. |
| Whom are you teaching? | Asks about the person being taught. |
| Whom are you deceiving? | Asks about the person being deceived. |
| Whom are you protecting? | Asks about the person being protected. |
| Whom did the dog bite? | Asks about the person who was bitten by the dog. |
| Whom did you rescue? | Asks about the person who was rescued. |
What Examples
The following table provides examples of “what” used in sentences. “What” is used to inquire about things, actions, or ideas.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| What is your favorite color? | Asks about the preferred color. |
| What are you doing? | Asks about the current activity. |
| What did you say? | Asks about the statement made. |
| What is the capital of France? | Asks about the capital city. |
| What time is it? | Asks about the current time. |
| What happened last night? | Asks about the events that occurred. |
| What is your name? | Asks about the person’s name. |
| What do you want for dinner? | Asks about the desired meal. |
| What is the meaning of this word? | Asks about the definition of the word. |
| What are your hobbies? | Asks about the person’s interests. |
| What is the weather like today? | Asks about the current weather conditions. |
| What is your favorite movie? | Asks about the preferred film. |
| What is your phone number? | Asks about the contact number. |
| What is the problem? | Asks about the issue at hand. |
| What is your opinion on this matter? | Asks about the person’s viewpoint. |
| What is the best way to learn English? | Asks about the most effective learning method. |
| What are you thinking about? | Asks about the current thoughts. |
| What is the purpose of this meeting? | Asks about the meeting’s objective. |
| What is the date today? | Asks about the current date. |
| What is the cost of this item? | Asks about the item’s price. |
| What is your favorite sport? | Asks about the preferred sport. |
| What is your job? | Asks about the person’s profession. |
| What is your address? | Asks about the person’s address. |
| What is your dream? | Asks about the person’s aspiration. |
| What is your favorite book? | Asks about the preferred book. |
Which Examples
The following table provides examples of “which” used in sentences. “Which” is used to inquire about a specific item from a limited set of options.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Which shirt do you prefer, the blue one or the red one? | Asks about the preferred shirt color. |
| Which is the best route to take? | Asks about the optimal route. |
| Which of these books is yours? | Asks about the ownership of the books. |
| Which flavor of ice cream do you want? | Asks about the desired ice cream flavor. |
| Which car is faster? | Asks about the speed comparison of the cars. |
| Which movie should we watch tonight? | Asks about the movie selection. |
| Which university did you attend? | Asks about the attended university. |
| Which color looks better on me? | Asks about the color that enhances appearance. |
| Which team do you think will win? | Asks about the predicted winning team. |
| Which option is the most cost-effective? | Asks about the most economical option. |
| Which candidate do you support? | Asks about the supported candidate. |
| Which country would you like to visit? | Asks about the desired country to visit. |
| Which of these fruits is the sweetest? | Asks about the sweetest fruit among the options. |
| Which tool do I need for this job? | Asks about the necessary tool. |
| Which of you knows the answer? | Asks about the person who knows the answer. |
| Which day is best for the meeting? | Asks about the optimal day for the meeting. |
| Which hotel did you stay at? | Asks about the hotel where the person stayed. |
| Which of these songs do you like the most? | Asks about the preferred song. |
| Which apartment are you renting? | Asks about the rented apartment. |
| Which of the desserts is sugar-free? | Asks about the sugar-free dessert option. |
| Which road should we take to avoid traffic? | Asks about the road to avoid traffic. |
| Which of these animals is the largest? | Asks about the largest animal among the options. |
| Which language do you want to learn? | Asks about the desired language to learn. |
| Which of the planets is closest to the sun? | Asks about the planet closest to the sun. |
| Which of these flowers smells the best? | Asks about the flower with the best scent. |
Whose Examples
The following table provides examples of “whose” used in sentences. “Whose” is used to inquire about possession or ownership.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Whose car is parked outside? | Asks about the owner of the car. |
| Whose book is this? | Asks about the owner of the book. |
| Whose phone is ringing? | Asks about the owner of the ringing phone. |
| Whose idea was it to go camping? | Asks about the originator of the camping idea. |
| Whose dog is that? | Asks about the owner of the dog. |
| Whose responsibility is it to clean up? | Asks about the person responsible for cleaning. |
| Whose house are we going to? | Asks about the owner of the house. |
| Whose turn is it to do the dishes? | Asks about the person who is scheduled to do the dishes. |
| Whose luggage is unattended? | Asks about the owner of the unattended luggage. |
| Whose signature is on this document? | Asks about the person who signed the document. |
| Whose keys are these? | Asks about the owner of the keys. |
| Whose umbrella did you borrow? | Asks about the owner of the borrowed umbrella. |
| Whose advice did you follow? | Asks about the person whoses advice was followed. |
| Whose project is this? | Asks about the owner of the project. |
| Whose garden is the most beautiful? | Asks about the owner of the most beautiful garden. |
| Whose painting is displayed in the gallery? | Asks about the owner of the painting. |
| Whose voice did you hear? | Asks about the owner of the voice. |
| Whose permission do we need? | Asks about the person whose permission is needed. |
| Whose team won the championship? | Asks about the owner of the winning team. |
| Whose recipe did you use for this cake? | Asks about the owner of the recipe. |
| Whose account is this? | Asks about the owner of the acccount. |
| Whose clothes are on the floor? | Asks about the owner of the clothes. |
| Whose responsibility is it to lock the door? | Asks about the person responsible for locking the door. |
| Whose wallet is on the table? | Asks about the owner of the wallet. |
| Whose glasses are these? | Asks about the owner of the glasses. |
Usage Rules for Interrogative Pronouns
Using interrogative pronouns correctly involves understanding certain rules. Here are some key guidelines:
- Who vs. Whom: Use “who” when referring to the subject of a verb and “whom” when referring to the object of a verb or preposition. However, in informal speech, “who” is often used in place of “whom.”
- What vs. Which: Use “what” when there are unlimited possibilities and “which” when there is a limited set of options.
- Placement: Interrogative pronouns typically start the question.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the verb agrees with the subject of the sentence. For example, “Who is coming?” (singular) vs. “Who are coming?” (plural, though less common).
- Prepositions: Prepositions can come before “whom” in formal writing (e.g., “To whom did you give the book?”) or at the end of the sentence in informal speech (e.g., “Who did you give the book to?”).
Common Mistakes with Interrogative Pronouns
Here are some common mistakes people make when using interrogative pronouns:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Who did you give the book to? | Whom did you give the book to? (Formal) / Who did you give the book to? (Informal) | Using “who” instead of “whom” when it is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| Which is your name? | What is your name? | Using “which” when there are unlimited possibilities. |
| Whose is this book who is on the table? | Whose book is this that is on the table? | Incorrect use of “who” instead of “that”. |
| Who you saw at the party? | Who did you see at the party? | Missing auxiliary verb (“did”) to form the question. |
| What you want? | What do you want? | Missing auxiliary verb (“do”) to form the question. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of interrogative pronouns with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Pronoun
Fill in the blank with the correct interrogative pronoun (who, whom, what, which, whose).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ______ is coming to the meeting? | Who |
| 2. To ______ did you give the message? | Whom |
| 3. ______ is your favorite sport? | What |
| 4. ______ of these options is the best? | Which |
| 5. ______ car is parked in my spot? | Whose |
| 6. ______ are you talking to? | Who/Whom |
| 7. ______ happened last night? | What |
| 8. ______ book did you borrow from the library? | Which |
| 9. ______ is responsible for this project? | Who |
| 10. ______ pen is this? | Whose |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences as Questions
Rewrite the following statements as questions using interrogative pronouns.
| Statement | Question |
|---|---|
| 1. John is the new manager. | Who is the new manager? |
| 2. I gave the letter to Mary. | To whom did you give the letter? / Who did you give the letter to? |
| 3. My favorite color is blue. | What is your favorite color? |
| 4. The red dress is the one she chose. | Which dress did she choose? |
| 5. That is Sarah’s house. | Whose house is that? |
| 6. They are waiting for the bus. | What are they waiting for? |
| 7. The movie starts at 7 PM. | What time does the movie start? |
| 8. The answer is on page 50. | Which page is the answer on? |
| 9. The cat belongs to Mrs. Smith. | Whose cat is it? |
| 10. He is studying English. | What is he studying? |
Exercise 3: Correct the Errors
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. Who did you gave the gift to? | Whom did you give the gift to? / Who did you give the gift to? |
| 2. What you are doing tomorrow? | What are you doing tomorrow? |
| 3. Which is your name? | What is your name? |
| 4. Whose is this pen who is on the desk? | Whose pen is this that is on the desk? |
| 5. Who wrote the letter? | Who wrote the letter? (No correction needed) |
| 6. What book you are reading? | What book are you reading? |
| 7. Whom did call? | Whom did you call?/ Who did you call? |
| 8. Which do you prefer, tea or coffee? | Which do you prefer, tea or coffee? (No correction needed) |
| 9. Whose is this umbrella? | Whose umbrella is this? |
| 10. Who are you waiting? | Whom are you waiting for?/Who are you waiting for? |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of interrogative pronouns can greatly enhance their grasp of English grammar. Here are some more complex aspects:
- Embedded Questions: Interrogative pronouns can be used in embedded questions, which are questions within statements. For example, “I don’t know what he wants.” In this case, “what” is part of the embedded question “what he wants.”
- Multiple Interrogative Pronouns: Sentences can sometimes include multiple interrogative pronouns, though this is less common. For example, “Who knows what happened?”
- Interrogative Determiners: “Which” and “whose” can also function as determiners when they modify a noun directly. For example, “Which book is yours?” Here, “which” modifies the noun “book.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about interrogative pronouns:
- What is the difference between “who” and “whom”?“Who” is used when referring to the subject of a verb, while “whom” is used when referring to the object of a verb or preposition. In informal speech, “who” is often used in place of “whom.” Example: “Who is coming to the party?” (subject) vs. “Whom did you see?” (object).
- When should I use “what” vs. “which”?Use “what” when there are unlimited possibilities or when you are asking about the nature or identity of something. Use “which” when there is a limited set of options. Example: “What is your favorite color?” (unlimited) vs. “Which shirt do you prefer, the blue one or the red one?” (limited).
- Can I end a sentence with a preposition when using an interrogative pronoun?Yes, in informal speech, it is common to end a sentence with a preposition when using an interrogative pronoun. For example, “Who did you give the book to?” In formal writing, it is more appropriate to place the preposition before “whom”: “To whom did you give the book?”
- How do I know if an interrogative pronoun is the subject or object of a sentence?If the interrogative pronoun is performing the action, it is the subject. If the interrogative pronoun is receiving the action, it is the object. For example, in the sentence “Who ate the cake?”, “who” is the subject because it is performing the action of eating. In the sentence “Whom did you invite?”, “whom” is the object because it is receiving the action of being invited.
- What is an embedded question?An embedded question is a question within a statement or another question. It often begins with an interrogative pronoun. For example, “I don’t know what he wants.” The embedded question is “what he wants.”
- Can “whose” be used with inanimate objects?Yes, “whose” can be used with inanimate objects, especially in formal writing. For example, “The company, whose headquarters are in New York, announced record profits.”
- Is it always necessary to use “whom” in formal writing?While “whom” is grammatically correct in formal writing when referring to the object of a verb or preposition, it is becoming less common. In many cases, using “who” is acceptable, even in formal contexts. However, it is still important to understand the correct usage of “whom” to demonstrate a strong command of English grammar.
- What is the difference between interrogative pronouns and relative pronouns?Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions, while relative pronouns are used to connect clauses or phrases to a noun or pronoun.
For example, “Who is coming to the party?” (interrogative) vs. “The person who is coming to the party is my friend.” (relative). - How can I improve my understanding of interrogative pronouns?Practice using interrogative pronouns in different contexts, read examples of their usage in books and articles, and pay attention to how native speakers use them in conversation. Completing exercises and quizzes can also help reinforce your understanding.
- Are there any regional variations in the usage of interrogative pronouns?While the basic rules of interrogative pronouns are consistent across different regions, there may be slight variations in usage or preference. For example, the frequency of using “whom” may vary depending on the region and the level of formality.
Conclusion
Mastering interrogative pronouns is crucial for asking clear and grammatically correct questions in English. By understanding the different types of interrogative pronouns, their usage rules, and common mistakes to avoid, you can significantly improve your communication skills.
Practice using these pronouns in various contexts, and don’t hesitate to review the examples and exercises provided in this guide. With consistent effort, you’ll become proficient in using interrogative pronouns and enhance your overall command of the English language.