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Concept Interrogative pronouns

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3 views

Concept Interrogative pronouns

Uploaded by

Daniela Luna
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Interrogative pronouns.

Interrogative pronouns are pronouns used specifically to ask questions in


English.
They are essential for gathering information about people, things, places, and
ideas.
Here's an overview of the concept of interrogative pronouns.

Types of Interrogative Pronouns:

1. Who: Used to inquire about people.


Example: Who is coming to the party?

2. Whom: Also used to inquire about people, particularly in formal or written


English.
Example: Whom did you invite to the event?

3. What: Used to inquire about things or actions.


Example: What is your favorite color?

4. Which: Used to inquire about a specific choice or selection from a set of


options.
Example: Which book did you choose for the book club?

5. Whose: Indicates possession or ownership.


Example: Whose phone is this?

Usage in Questions:

• Structure: Interrogative pronouns typically begin questions and are followed


by a verb or other elements to complete the inquiry.
Example: What are you doing tonight?
Example: Who is she talking to?

• Direct and Indirect Questions: Interrogative pronouns are used both in direct
questions (where the question is straightforward) and indirect questions
(where the question is embedded within another sentence).
Direct: Who is at the door?
Indirect: I wonder who is at the door.
Additional Notes:
• Formality: The use of "whom" is considered more formal and is used less
frequently in spoken English compared to written or formal contexts.
• Context: Interrogative pronouns help to elicit specific information in
conversations or written communication and are essential for effective
communication.
Examples:
• Direct Question: What time does the movie start?
• Indirect Question: She asked which way was the nearest bus stop.

Common Mistakes:
Confusing the use of "who" (subject) and "whom" (object) in questions,
especially in formal writing.
Examples in Context:
• Personal: Who is your best friend?
• Possessive: Whose jacket is this?
• Action: What are they doing?
• Choice: Which book did you choose?

How Interrogative Pronouns Are Used:


• Forming Questions: Interrogative pronouns begin questions and are followed
by a verb or other elements to complete the question.
Example: Who is coming to the party?
Example: What are you doing?

• Indirect Questions: They can also be used within longer sentences to


indirectly ask for information.
Example: She asked who had taken her pen.

• Direct vs. Indirect Questions:


In direct questions, interrogative pronouns are used straightforwardly to ask
questions. In indirect questions, they are embedded within another sentence
or clause.
Direct: Who is that?
Indirect: I wonder who that is.

Special Considerations:
• Subject vs. Object: In formal English, "who" is used as a subject (e.g., Who is
going?), and "whom" is used as an object (e.g., Whom did you see?). In casual
conversation, "who" is often used in both cases.
• Possessive: "Whose" is used to inquire about possession or ownership (e.g.,
Whose car is parked outside?).
• Personal: Who is your favorite singer?
• Possessive: Whose bag is this?
• Action: What are they talking about?

Summary:
Interrogative pronouns are crucial for asking questions and eliciting specific
information in English. Understanding their usage helps in forming clear and
effective questions, enhancing communication skills both in spoken and
written contexts. Practice using interrogative pronouns to improve fluency and
clarity in asking questions.

Sources:
Murphy, R. (2021). Basic grammar in use. Cambridge University Press.
Ur, P. (2012). Grammar practice activities: A practical guide for teachers. Cambridge
University Press.

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