Questions: typical errors
In wh-questions, the word order changes from subject + (auxiliary/modal) + main verb to wh-word + auxiliary/modal verb + subject + main verb:
What was she eating?
Not: What she was eating?
In yes-no questions, the word order changes from subject + (auxiliary verb) + main verb to auxiliary verb + subject + main verb:
Were you talking to Johnny?
Did you tell Rosa about what happened?
If there is no auxiliary verb in the affirmative, we use do before the subject:
Do you agree?
Not: Are you agree?
What does art mean?
Not: What art means? or What means art?
We can only use auxiliary and modal verbs, not main verbs, before the subject:
Where was the painting bought?
Not: Where was bought the painting?
How is the fish cooked?
Not: How is cooked the fish?
We use what, not which, to ask about specific information from a general range of possible answers:
What’s the name of the man who owns your company?
Not: Which is the name of the man who owns your company?
See also:
Questions: yes-no questions (Are you feeling cold?)
Questions: wh-questions
Questions: interrogative pronouns (what, who)
|