Home > Learn English Online > English Grammar > The interrogative form
The interrogative form
Understanding grammar is key to understanding a language.
Learn English online and test Gymglish for free.
The interrogative form
The construction of the interrogative form is different if the verb is an auxiliary verb (be, have, will, can, etc.), or a 'normal' verb.
• If the verb is an auxiliary verb, the interrogative is formed without the auxiliary do/does/did:
• If the verb is an auxiliary verb, the interrogative is formed without the auxiliary do/does/did:
Is Bruno in his office?
Can I talk to you?
Have you read this book?
• If the verb is 'normal', the interrogative is formed with the auxiliary do/does/did. As always after an auxiliary verb, the verb is added in the infinitive without to:
Do you like that album?
Did she see the movie?
Does Kevin drink alcohol?
In both cases, the sentence is formed by inverting the first auxiliary verb:
She's dreaming. -> Is she dreaming?
You would tell me. -> Would you tell me?
Note: The 'normal' verb to do is also conjugated with the auxiliary do/does/did:
Did you do it?
Does he do his homework on time?
• In the case of interrogatives introduced by pronouns (Who, What)
If the interrogative pronoun is a subject, there is no inversion:
If the interrogative pronoun is a subject, there is no inversion:
Who told you this?
Who is here?
If the interrogative pronoun is an object, there is inversion:
Who(m) are you talking to?
What did he say?
What are you thinking about?
Take your learning further
Still facing difficulties with 'The interrogative form'? Improve your English with Gymglish - try our English lessons for free now and receive a free level assessment!
Tips for learning 'The interrogative form'? Share them with us!
Find out about other grammar rules. Improve your English further and test Gymglish, online English lessons.