A1 grammar lessons
A1 · Lesson 26
Question words
Use who, what, where, when, why, which and how to ask for different kinds of information.
Learning goal
Choose the right question word and make short everyday questions.
15 minutes
Lesson plus a 10-question session
Question words
What you'll learn
Use a question word when you need specific information.
The main question words
| Question word | Ask about | Example |
|---|---|---|
| who | a person | Who is she? |
| what | a thing or information | What is your name? |
| where | a place | Where do you live? |
| when | a time or date | When is your birthday? |
| why | a reason | Why are you sad? |
| which | a choice | Which bag is yours? |
| how | a method, condition or amount | How are you? |
Start with these questions
- Where do you live?
- What is your phone number?
- Who is your teacher?
- When do you start work?
- How do you go to school?
Question word + question pattern
After the question word, use the normal question structure.
- Where do you live?
- What is your name?
- Why is she late?
- How can I help?
Useful how questions
- How old are you?
- How much is it?
- How many brothers have you got?
- How often do you exercise?
Common mistakes
What do you live?→ Where do you live?Who time is it?→ What time is it?Where you live?→ Where do you live?How old you are?→ How old are you?
Quick check
- ___ do you live? → Where
- ___ is your favourite colour? → What
- ___ are you late? → Why
- ___ is that man? → Who
Next step
Use in, on and at with times, days and dates.
Prerequisites:Present simple: questions and negatives