Asking Questions

The basic rule for asking questions in English is straightforward: Invert the order of the subject and the first auxiliary verb.

• It is snowing. = Is it snowing?
• He can speak German. = Can he speak German?
• They have lived here a long time. = Have they lived here a long time?
• She will arrive at ten o'clock. = Will she arrive at ten o'clock?
• He was driving fast. = Was he driving fast?
• You have been smoking. = Have you been smoking?

If there is no auxiliary, use part of the verb 'to do'.

• You speak fluent French. = Do you speak fluent French?
• She lives in Brussels. = Does she live in Brussels?
• They lived in Manchester. = Did they live in Manchester?
• He had an accident. = Did he have an accident?

Most questions with question words are made in the same way:

• How often does she use it?
• Why don't you come?
• Where do you work?
• How many did you buy?
• What time did you go?
• Which one do you like?
• Whose car were you driving?

Note who, what and which can be the subject. Compare:

• Who is coming to lunch? (who is the subject of the verb)
• Who do you want to invite to lunch? (you is the subject of the verb)
• What happened? (what is the subject of the verb)
• What did you do? (you is the subject of the verb)

Note the position of the prepositions in these questions:

• Who did you speak to?
• What are you looking at?
• Where does he come from?