Interrogative sentence

Definition

An interrogative sentence is a type of sentence that poses a question, typically marked by an inverted structure in English that begins with a wh-word (who, what, where, when, why) or an auxiliary verb. This sentence type serves the purpose of eliciting information or seeking confirmation and plays a crucial role in communication by facilitating interactions and inquiries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interrogative sentences can be classified into two main types: yes/no questions, which can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no', and wh-questions that require more elaborate responses.
2. In English, the typical structure of an interrogative sentence involves inversion, where the auxiliary verb precedes the subject, such as in 'Are you coming?'
3. Interrogative sentences often employ specific punctuation, usually ending with a question mark to indicate that a question is being asked.
4. The use of intonation is important in spoken interrogative sentences, as rising intonation at the end can signal that a question is being asked.
5. Interrogative sentences are essential in everyday conversation as they help to gather information, clarify doubts, and engage in dialogue.

Review Questions

• How do interrogative sentences differ from declarative sentences in structure and purpose?
  • Interrogative sentences differ from declarative sentences primarily in their structure and purpose. While interrogative sentences are designed to pose questions and often begin with auxiliary verbs or wh-words, declarative sentences make statements or express opinions and typically follow a subject-verb-object structure. For example, 'You are studying.' is declarative, whereas 'Are you studying?' is interrogative. This distinction highlights their different functions in communication.
• Discuss the role of intonation in spoken interrogative sentences and how it affects meaning.
  • Intonation plays a vital role in spoken interrogative sentences as it helps convey the speaker's intent. In many cases, rising intonation at the end of a sentence signals that it is a question, indicating uncertainty or soliciting confirmation. For instance, saying 'You're coming?' with rising intonation implies a request for confirmation about attendance. This subtle use of intonation can significantly alter how the listener interprets the question's meaning.
• Evaluate the importance of interrogative sentences in communication and their impact on interpersonal interactions.
  • Interrogative sentences are crucial for effective communication as they facilitate the exchange of information and promote dialogue between individuals. They encourage active participation in conversations by prompting responses from others. Furthermore, they help clarify misunderstandings and gather necessary details that may not be readily apparent. By engaging others through questions, individuals can create more meaningful interactions and foster connections, making interrogative sentences an essential component of interpersonal communication.

Related terms

Declarative sentence: A declarative sentence makes a statement or expresses an opinion and typically ends with a period.

Imperative sentence: An imperative sentence gives a command or request and can end with either a period or an exclamation mark.

Exclamatory sentence:

An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion or excitement and always ends with an exclamation mark.