Interrogative sentences end with a question mark and require an answer. They can be “Wh” questions, yes/no questions, or tag questions, and may include an auxiliary verb. Tag questions can transform a declarative sentence into an interrogative one, and can be spoken with a rising intonation.
An interrogative sentence ends with a question mark instead of a period. In most cases, an interrogative sentence classifies as a direct question because it requires an answer. This specific type of sentence looks for confirmation, approval or denial of something, as well as background information. The main types of interrogative sentences include “Wh” questions, yes/no questions, and tag questions.
The most common interrogative sentence begins with the interrogative words “Wh”, which attempt to capture some information. These question words include “What,” “When,” “Why,” as well as “Where,” “Who,” and sometimes “How.” Some examples of questions based on “Wh” include: “What time is it?” and “When is your vacation?” Others may include “Who is it?”, “Why did you do that?” and “How was your day?” These types of questions usually include an auxiliary verb such as “do” or “be” to indicate the present state or condition, and the answers to these types of interrogative sentences can be simple or open-ended.
Another type of interrogative sentence requires a simple “yes” or “no” answer, or alternatives that allow the respondent to give multiple answers or make a choice. Like a “Wh” question, a yes/no question can also include an auxiliary verb. Examples of everyday questions that apply the yes/no question include: “Did you go to the store?” and “Are you ready to go to the basketball game?” Alternate yes/no questions may include, “Would you like cereal or oatmeal?” and “Would you rather go to the beach or the zoo?”
A question tag transforms a declarative sentence into an interrogative one. A declarative sentence illustrates a statement or fact without requiring an answer, but can become an interrogative when a person attaches a question at the end rather than a period. The new sentence often requires a response when transformed from a declarative to an interrogative. “The weather is nice today, isn’t it?” and “You’re coming to the class reunion, aren’t you?” are some examples of tag questions. A direct interrogative tag sentence is formed when the verb precedes the subject in the sentence and ends with a question mark.
Depending on how the person writes or pronounces it, a tag question may still qualify as a declarative sentence, but with a question mark at the end. This type of tag question often follows a rising intonation pattern. For example, “Have you finished your homework yet?” and “Did the Mavericks win the NBA championship?” illustrate examples of tagged questions spoken with a rising intonation at the end of the sentence. The interrogative sentence based on tag questions generally confirms a true idea or statement when in doubt.
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