Interrogative adverbs are essential tools in English that help us form questions. These adverbs, such as “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how,” allow us to inquire about various aspects of information, including time, place, reason, and manner. If you want to learn English online, understanding these adverbs is crucial as they form the foundation for asking questions in both written and spoken English. Whether you’re practicing spoken English or working on improving your grammar, mastering the usage of interrogative adverbs can greatly enhance your communication skills. By familiarizing yourself with interrogative adverbs examples and applying them in different contexts, you can ask clear and meaningful questions, making conversations more interactive and effective.
What Are Interrogative Adverbs?
Interrogative adverbs are words used to form questions that seek specific information. They are essential for asking about details such as time, place, reason, and manner. The most common interrogative adverbs include “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how.” Each of these adverbs serves a unique function. For instance, “what” asks for identification or information, “when” inquires about time, “where” seeks information about location, “why” is used to ask about reasons, and “how” queries the manner or process of something.
Example: What is your favorite color?
When does the train leave?
Where did you put the keys?
Why are you late to the meeting?
How do you solve this problem?
List of Common Interrogative Adverbs
Here is list of common interrogative adverbs with their uses and examples in English:
1. What
Use: “What” is used to ask about things, objects, or general information. It helps in seeking clarification or details about something.
“क्या” का इस्तेमाल चीज़ों या सामान्य जानकारी के बारे में पूछने के लिए किया जाता है। यह किसी चीज़ के बारे में स्पष्टता या detail हासिल करने में मदद करता है।
Example: What is your favorite color?
आपका पसंदीदा रंग कौन सा है?
2. When
Use: “When” is used to ask about time, dates, or events. It seeks information related to a specific moment or period.
“कब” का इस्तेमाल समय, तारीख या घटनाओं के बारे में पूछने के लिए किया जाता है। यह किसी विशेष समय या अवधि से संबंधित जानकारी हासिल करने के लिए है।
Example: When does the movie start?
फिल्म कब शुरू होती है?
3. Where
Use: “Where” is used to ask about locations or places. It is used when you need to know the place or direction of something or someone.
“कहाँ” का इस्तेमाल स्थानों या जगहों के बारे में पूछने के लिए किया जाता है। इसका इस्तेमाल तब होता है जब आपको किसी चीज़ या व्यक्ति का स्थान या दिशा जाननी होती है।
Example: Where is the nearest restaurant?
नज़दीकी restaurant कहाँ है?
4. Why
Use: “Why” is used to ask about reasons or causes. It seeks an explanation or justification for something.
“क्यों” का इस्तेमाल कारणों या वजहों के बारे में पूछने के लिए किया जाता है। यह किसी चीज़ के लिए justification या वजह हासिल करने के लिए है।
Example: Why are you crying?
तुम क्यों रो रहे हो?
5. How
Use: “How” is used to ask about the manner, method, or process of something. It inquires about the way something is done or happens.
“कैसे” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ के तरीके, विधि या प्रक्रिया के बारे में पूछने के लिए किया जाता है। यह यह पूछता है कि कोई चीज़ कैसे की जाती है या होती है।
Example: How do you solve this puzzle?
आप इस पहेली को कैसे हल करते हैं?
6. Which
Use: “Which” is used when there is a choice or a selection to be made from a defined set of options. It helps to ask about a particular item or choice.
“कौन सा” का इस्तेमाल तब किया जाता है जब किसी निश्चित विकल्पों से चुनना होता है। यह किसी विशेष चीज़ या विकल्प के बारे में पूछने में मदद करता है।
Example: Which color do you prefer?
आप कौन सा रंग पसंद करते हैं?
7. Why Not
Use: “Why not” is used to suggest or inquire why something is not being done or why a certain action hasn’t been taken.
“क्यों नहीं” का इस्तेमाल यह पूछने या सुझाने के लिए किया जाता है कि किसी चीज़ को क्यों नहीं किया जा रहा है या कोई विशेष कदम क्यों नहीं उठाया गया है।
Example: Why not try something new?
कुछ नया क्यों नहीं आजमाते?
Rules to Use Interrogative Adverbs in Questions
Here are the rules for using interrogative adverbs in questions:
1. Place the Interrogative Adverb at the Beginning of the Question
Interrogative adverbs like “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how” usually come at the start of a question to make it clear that you’re asking for specific information.
सवाल में ख़ास जानकारी हासिल करने के लिए “क्या,” “कब,” “कहाँ,” “क्यों,” और “कैसे” जैसे interrogative adverb सामान्यत: सवाल के शुरुआत में आते हैं।
Example: Where is the nearest school?
नज़दीकी स्कूल कहाँ है?
2. Use Subject-Verb Order After the Interrogative Adverb
After the interrogative adverb, the subject and the verb should be in the correct order to form a grammatically correct question.
Interrogative adverb के बाद, वाक्य में विषय और क्रिया का सही क्रम होना चाहिए ताकि वाक्य grammatical रूप से सही हो।
Example: How does she travel to work?
वह काम पर कैसे जाती है?
3. Interrogative Adverbs Do Not Require Auxiliary Verbs in Simple Questions
In simple questions, you do not need to use auxiliary verbs (like “do,” “does,” or “did”) when using an interrogative adverb.
सामान्य सवालों में, जब आप interrogative adverb का इस्तेमाल करते हैं, तो सहायक क्रियाएँ (auxiliary verbs) (जैसे “क्या,” “क्या करती है,” “क्या किया”) की ज़रूरत नहीं होती है।
Example: When is the meeting?
बैठक कब है?
4. Use Appropriate Tenses with Interrogative Adverbs
The tense used with the interrogative adverb should match the time frame of the question. For example, use the present tense to ask about current actions and past tense for past events.
Interrogative adverb के साथ इस्तेमाल किए गए tense का सवाल के समय से मेल खाना चाहिए। उदाहरण के लिए, वर्तमान के कामों के बारे में पूछने के लिए present tense का इस्तेमाल करें और अतीत की घटनाओं के लिए past tense का इस्तेमाल करें।
Example: Why did you leave early? (Past)
तुम जल्दी क्यों गए?
5. Maintain Correct Word Order with “How” Questions
When using “how” in a question, the word order should stay consistent with subject-verb placement.
“कैसे” का इस्तेमाल करते समय, शब्दों का क्रम विषय और क्रिया की स्थिति के अनुसार सही रहना चाहिए।
Example: How do you solve this problem?
आप इस समस्या को कैसे हल करते हैं?
6. Avoid Double Questions in a Single Sentence
Do not mix two interrogative adverbs in the same question. Stick to one to maintain clarity.
एक ही वाक्य में दो interrogative adverb का इस्तेमाल न करें। स्पष्टता बनाए रखने के लिए एक ही का इस्तेमाल करें।
Example: When and where does the event take place?
कार्यक्रम कब और कहाँ होता है?
7. Use “Why” for Asking Reasons or Explanations
“Why” is used when you are seeking the reason or cause behind something. Always ask for clarification or justification.
“क्यों” का इस्तेमाल तब किया जाता है जब आप किसी चीज़ के कारण या वजह के बारे में पूछ रहे होते हैं। हमेशा clarification या justification के लिए पूछें।
Example: Why are you studying so hard?
तुम इतनी मेहनत क्यों कर रहे हो?
Difference Between Interrogative Adverbs and Other Types of Adverbs
Interrogative adverbs are used to ask questions, seeking specific information. These include words like “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how.” They are used at the beginning of questions to inquire about things, time, place, reasons, or manner.
Interrogative adverb का इस्तेमाल सवाल पूछने के लिए किया जाता है, ताकि ख़ास जानकारी हासिल की जा सके। इसमें “क्या,” “कब,” “कहाँ,” “क्यों,” और “कैसे” जैसे शब्द शामिल होते हैं। ये शब्द सवालों के शुरुआत में आते हैं ताकि चीजों, समय, स्थान, कारण या तरीके के बारे में पूछा जा सके।
Example: How did you solve the problem?
आपने समस्या को कैसे हल किया?
Interrogative Adverbs vs. Relative Adverbs
While interrogative adverbs are used to form questions, relative adverbs like “where,” “when,” and “why” are used to connect clauses and provide additional information about a noun or subject. The key difference is that interrogative adverbs ask questions, while relative adverbs link clauses together to give more details.
जबकि interrogative adverb सवाल पूछने के लिए इस्तेमाल होते हैं, relative adverbs जैसे “कहाँ,” “कब,” और “क्यों” का इस्तेमाल वाक्य के हिस्सों को जोड़ने के लिए किया जाता है और किसी संज्ञा या विषय के बारे में अतिरिक्त जानकारी प्रदान करते हैं। मुख्य अंतर यह है कि interrogative adverb सवाल पूछते हैं, जबकि relative adverbs वाक्य के हिस्सों को जोड़ने के लिए होते हैं।
Example: Where is she going? (Interrogative Adverb)
वह कहाँ जा रही है?
I know where she is going. (Relative Adverb)
मुझे पता है कि वह कहाँ जा रही है।
Distinguishing from Adverbs of Manner, Place, and Time
Adverbs of manner, place, and time describe how, where, or when something happens. These adverbs provide more detail about an action but do not ask questions like interrogative adverbs do.
Adverbs of Manner describe how an action is done.
Adverbs of Manner बताते हैं कि कोई क्रिया कैसे की जाती है।
Example: She sings beautifully.
वह खूबसूरती से गाती है।
Adverbs of Place describe where an action occurs.
Adverbs of Place बताते हैं कि क्रिया कहाँ होती है।
Example: He lives nearby.
वह पास में रहता है।
Adverbs of Time describe when an action happens.
Adverbs of Time बताते हैं कि क्रिया कब होती है।
Example: I will call you tomorrow.
मैं तुम्हें कल कॉल करूंगा।
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using Interrogative Adverbs
Here are some common mistakes to avoid while using interrogative adverbs:
1. Placing the Interrogative Adverb in the Wrong Position
One common mistake is placing the interrogative adverb in the wrong position in the sentence. It should always come at the beginning of the question.
एक सामान्य गलती यह है कि interrogative adverb को वाक्य में गलत स्थान पर रखा जाता है। यह हमेशा सवाल के शुरुआत में आना चाहिए।
Example:
Incorrect: Is how your day going?
Correct: How is your day going?
आपका दिन कैसे जा रहा है?
2. Using Auxiliary Verbs Incorrectly
In simple questions, avoid using auxiliary verbs (like “do,” “does,” or “did”) after the interrogative adverb when it’s not needed.
सामान्य प्रश्नों में, जब interrogative adverb का इस्तेमाल किया जाता है, तो सहायक क्रियाओं (auxiliary verbs) का इस्तेमाल तब न करें जब इसकी ज़रूरत न हो।
Example:
Incorrect: When do the train leaves?
Correct: When does the train leave?
ट्रेन कब जाती है?”
3. Using Multiple Interrogative Adverbs Together
Avoid using more than one interrogative adverb in a single question. Stick to one adverb for clarity.
एक ही सवाल में एक से ज़्यादा interrogative adverb का इस्तेमाल न करें। स्पष्टता बनाए रखने के लिए एक ही adverb का इस्तेमाल करें।
Example:
Incorrect: When and where do you work?
Correct: When do you work? or Where do you work?
आप कब काम करते हैं? या आप कहाँ काम करते हैं?”
4. Confusing “Why” with “How”
Many learners confuse “why” and “how,” using them interchangeably. “Why” asks for reasons, while “how” asks for the manner or process.
कई बार लोग “क्यों” और “कैसे” को एक जैसा समझकर एक-दूसरे की जगह पर इस्तेमाल करते हैं। “क्यों” कारण पूछता है, जबकि “कैसे” किसी प्रक्रिया या तरीके के बारे में पूछता है।
Example:
Incorrect: Why do you do this task? (Should be “How”)
Correct: How do you do this task?
तुम यह काम कैसे करते हो?
5. Incorrect Word Order in “How” Questions
When asking questions with “how,” ensure the subject and verb are in the correct order. The verb should follow “how” for proper question structure.
“कैसे” से पूछे गए सवालों में, सुनिश्चित करता है कि विषय और क्रिया सही क्रम में हों। उचित प्रश्न संरचना के लिए क्रिया “कैसे” के बाद आनी चाहिए।
Example:
Incorrect: How you solve the puzzle?
Correct: How do you solve the puzzle?
तुम पहेली कैसे हल करते हो?
6. Using “What” for Abstract Questions
Avoid using “what” for abstract questions where more specific adverbs like “how” or “why” are needed.
जब ज़्यादा खास adverbs जैसे “कैसे” या “क्यों” की ज़रूरत हो, तब “क्या” का इस्तेमाल न करें।
Example:
Incorrect: What is the reason for your delay?
Correct: Why are you delayed?
आप देर क्यों हुए?
7. Forgetting to Use the Correct Tense
Ensure that the tense used with an interrogative adverb matches the timing of the event. For example, use past tense for past events.
सुनिश्चित करें कि interrogative adverb के साथ इस्तेमाल किया गया काल घटना के समय से मेल खाता हो। उदाहरण के लिए, अतीत की घटनाओं के लिए past tense का इस्तेमाल करें।
Example:
Incorrect: When do you arrive yesterday?
Correct: When did you arrive yesterday?
आप कल कब पहुंचे?
8. Overuse of Interrogative Adverbs
Avoid overusing interrogative adverbs in a conversation or writing. Too many questions can sound unnatural.
बातचीत या लिखने में interrogative adverb का ज़्यादा इस्तेमाल करने से बचें। बहुत ज़्यादा सवाल सुनने में अजीब लग सकते हैं।
Example:
Incorrect: What is your name? Where do you live? Why are you here?
Correct: What is your name and where do you live?
तुम्हारा नाम क्या है और तुम कहाँ रहते हो?”
Sentence Examples of Interrogative Adverbs
Here are 15 sentence examples of interrogative adverbs:
- What time does the train leave tomorrow?
- When are you planning to visit the new museum?
- Where did you buy that beautiful painting?
- Why is the weather so cold today?
- How did you manage to complete the project so quickly?
- What makes this recipe so special?
- When will the next meeting take place?
- Where is the nearest hospital located?
- Why are you feeling upset about the decision?
- How can I help you with your homework?
- What was the reason behind the sudden change of plans?
- When does your vacation begin?
- Where do you think we should go for dinner tonight?
- How do you stay so focused during long meetings?
- Why didn’t you answer my call earlier?
Interrogative Adverbs Exercise: Fill in the blanks
Here are 10 fill-in-the-blank exercises using interrogative adverbs (what, when, where, why, how).
- ______ did you arrive at the party last night?
- ______ is your favorite book?
- ______ are you feeling today?
- ______ do we need to submit the report by?
- ______ did you learn to play the guitar?
- ______ did she leave the office so early yesterday?
- ______ can I improve my English speaking skills?
- ______ are we meeting for lunch tomorrow?
- ______ did they cancel the event at the last moment?
- ______ can I find a good place to stay in the city?
Answers
- When
- What
- How
- When
- How
- Why
- How
- Where
- Why
- Where
Interrogative Adverbs FAQs
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Can “how” be used in all types of questions?
No, “how” is used to inquire about the manner or process of an action. It is not used to ask about the location, time, or reasons for an action. For example, you can ask, “How did you do that?” but you wouldn’t ask “How is your name?” for a question about identity.
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Can I use multiple interrogative adverbs in the same question?
It’s best to use one interrogative adverb per question to avoid confusion. For example, “Where and when are we meeting?” is clearer than “Where how are we meeting?” which sounds awkward. Keep it simple for clarity.
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When should I use “why” instead of “how”?
Use “why” when you are asking for reasons or causes behind an action. For instance, “Why are you late?” asks for the reason. On the other hand, “How” is used when asking about the manner or method of something, such as “How did you make this cake?”
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What is the difference between “where” and “when” in questions?
“Where” is used to ask about the location of an action, event, or person, such as “Where is the nearest bank?” On the other hand, “When” is used to inquire about the time something happens, for example, “When is the meeting?”
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Can interrogative adverbs be used in indirect questions?
Yes, interrogative adverbs can also be used in indirect questions. In this case, the word order changes. For example:
Direct: “When does the train leave?”
Indirect: “Can you tell me when the train leaves?”
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Is it possible to ask a question without an interrogative adverb?
Yes, it is possible to ask a question without using an interrogative adverb. For example, yes/no questions such as “Is she coming?” do not use interrogative adverbs but rely on auxiliary verbs. However, if specific information is required (like time, place, or reason), an interrogative adverb is needed.
Conclusion
Interrogative adverbs play a crucial role in forming questions that seek specific information about time, place, reasons, or methods. Understanding how to use interrogative adverbs correctly will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English. Whether you’re asking interrogative adverbs examples like “Where are you going?” or “How did you do that?”, mastering their usage is key to improving both your written and spoken English. To further develop your skills, you can learn English online through various resources, including a spoken English course, which will provide practical lessons and real-time practice in using these essential grammar tools.
