Interrogative

Definition

An interrogative is a type of sentence or phrase used to ask questions, seeking information, clarification, or confirmation. This form plays a crucial role in communication, guiding conversations and prompting responses. Interrogatives can vary in structure and function, including yes/no questions and wh-questions, which help uncover details in dialogue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interrogatives can be classified into various types, including yes/no questions (e.g., 'Are you coming?') and wh-questions (e.g., 'What time is it?').
2. In English, interrogatives often involve a subject-auxiliary inversion, where the auxiliary verb precedes the subject (e.g., 'Is she there?').
3. Intonation also plays a critical role in distinguishing between statements and questions; rising intonation at the end of a sentence typically indicates an interrogative.
4. Interrogatives are essential in speech acts as they can express not just requests for information but also indirect speech acts, like polite inquiries.
5. Conversational implicature can occur with interrogatives, where the literal question may imply additional meaning or context based on the speaker's tone or choice of words.

Review Questions

• How do interrogatives differ from declarative and imperative sentences in their function within communication?
  • Interrogatives serve the primary function of asking questions to gather information, while declarative sentences provide information and state facts. Imperative sentences differ further as they issue commands or requests. The distinct roles of these sentence types highlight how language structures are tailored for specific communicative purposes, with interrogatives prompting interaction and engagement.
• Discuss the significance of intonation in identifying interrogatives compared to other sentence types.
  • Intonation plays a significant role in distinguishing interrogatives from declarative and imperative sentences. In English, rising intonation at the end of a sentence typically indicates that it is an interrogative, signaling that a response is expected. This phonetic feature adds another layer of meaning to spoken language, as it can change the interpretation of a statement into a question without altering the wording itself.
• Evaluate the role of interrogatives in facilitating conversational implicature and indirect speech acts.
  • Interrogatives are crucial in facilitating conversational implicature and indirect speech acts by allowing speakers to convey meaning beyond the literal interpretation of their words. For example, asking 'Could you pass the salt?' functions as an interrogative while also serving as a polite request rather than simply seeking information. This interplay enhances communication by enabling speakers to navigate social norms and expectations while eliciting responses that may carry additional contextual significance.

Related terms

Declarative: A declarative sentence states a fact or opinion and ends with a period, contrasting with interrogatives by providing information rather than seeking it.

Imperative: An imperative sentence gives commands or requests, functioning differently from interrogatives by directing rather than questioning.

Response: A response is the answer or reaction to an interrogative, which can vary based on context and intent.