Asking for Information Using WH Questions

Asking Information There are a number of formulas used when asking for information in English.


The use of WH-Questions : 
What 
When 
Where 
Why 
Who 
How

Combined with to be
What is ……. Your name? 
When was ……. He born? 
Where are ………. The tickets? 
Why were …………. They here? 
Who are ……….. Those people? 
How is ……. Puput? 

Combined with auxiliary verbs or Modals
What do …………
When did …………
Where shall ……..
Why does ……..
Who might ……
How could …….
etc

Asking for information:
I’d like to know about this movie 
I’m interested in the characters
Could you tell me more about it? 
Do you know the plot? 
Could you find out the solution? 
Could I ask about the conflict? 
Do you happen to know the writer?
Etc.

Guessing:
I’d say … I know where to find the pen 
It could be … somewhere in the canteen 
Perhaps it’s … on the top of the shelf 
I think it’s … not there anymore 
It looks like … someone has taken the book 
It’s difficult to say, but I’d guess …
It’s being borrowed by a student 

Here are some of the most common:
· Could you tell me…?
· Do you know…?
· Do you happen to know…?
· I’d like to know…
· Could you find out…?
· I’m interested in…
· I’m looking for...

These two forms are used for asking for information on the telephone:
· I’m calling to find out…
· I’m calling about…

Here are some sample phrases and sentences for asking information in English

1. What is this? This is a white board
2. What is that? That is a chair.
3. What’s this? It’s a pen.
4. What’s that? It’s an apple.
5. What are these? These are pencils.
6. What are those? Those are books.
7. Where is Mr. Andre? He is over there.
8. Where is Ms. Nadya? She’s (right) here.
9. Where’s Tyng? He’s in the restaurant.
10. When’s the movie? It’s at 9:00.
11. When’s lunch? Lunch is at noon.
12. How is the food? It’s delicious