Asking Questions in English: Forms
At the A2 level, learn how to use question forms in English. This free grammar quiz has clear explanations and practice questions on yes/no questions, wh-questions, auxiliaries, and word order.
Exercises & Summary
Asking Questions Exercises: Question Forms
One of the most important things to know in English is how to ask questions. At the A2 level, you can already ask basic questions about things like your family, hobbies, work, and plans. This guide goes over the main types of questions and gives clear rules and examples.
1. Yes/No Questions
These questions can be answered with “yes” or “no”.
We usually need an auxiliary verb like “do,” “does,” “is,” “are,” “have,” “has,” “can,” or “to be.”
With the verb “to be”
Statement: You are happy.
Question: Are you happy?
Examples:
- Is she at home?
- Are they teachers?
With other verbs (Present Simple)
We use do/does.
Statement: She likes coffee.
Question: Does she like coffee?
Examples:
- Do you live in London?
- Does he play football?
With modal verbs
(can, will, would, etc.)
Examples:
- Can you swim?
- Will they come tomorrow?
2. Wh-Questions (Information Questions)
These questions start with a word that asks for specific information.
Common question words:
- What
- Where
- When
- Why
- Who (people)
- Whose
- Which
- How
Word order in Wh-questions
Question word + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb?
Examples:
- Where do you live?
- What is your name?
- Why are you late?
- How many sisters do you have?
Questions with “Who” as subject
When “who” is the subject, we do not use do/does/did.
- Who lives here? (NOT: Who does live here?)
- Who called you yesterday?
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect: Where you live? Correct: Where do you live?
- Incorrect: What you want? Correct: What do you want?
- Incorrect: She is your sister? Correct: Is she your sister?
4. A Quick Summary of the Rules
- Yes/No questions → auxiliary verb + subject
- Wh-questions → question word + auxiliary verb + subject
- Exception: Who/What as subject → no auxiliary needed
5. Questions that are useful every day
- What time is it?
- Where is the bathroom?
- How much does it cost?
- Can you help me?
- Do you speak English?
- What do you do? (job)
- Where are you from?
- How are you today?