Interrogative Sentence Definition

Introduction

A sentence that asks a question to learn more about something is known as an interrogative sentence. It might be general or detailed inquiries regarding anything at all.

An Interrogative Sentence's Definition

The Cambridge Dictionary describes an interrogative sentence as "a sentence that asks a question, makes a request for information." An interrogative phrase, as defined by the Collins Dictionary, is one "denoting a form or pattern used in asking a question." A sentence with the "for5m or force of a question" is described as an interrogative statement in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Examples of Different Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative sentences, which are often used to inquire about something, may be divided into three categories:

Choice Exercises
No/Yes questions
'Wh' Words in the Questions

1. Choice Exercises

These interrogative phrases can be useful to learn more about a person's preferences and likes and dislikes.

For instance:

Do you prefer tea or coffee with your breakfast?
What option would you pick?
Do you prefer to watch films or read books?

2. No/Yes questions

As the name implies, only yes or no responses can be provided in response to this kind of interrogative statement.

For instance:

Will you accompany me to the library?
Are you an ice cream fan?
Do you know the solution to this problem?

3. 'Wh' Words in the Questions

When you want to learn more than a simple yes or no, you employ these kinds of interrogative statements. 'Wh' terms like what, where, when, why, whom, which, whose, and how start these phrases.

For instance:

When are you available?
Whose book is this?
Who did you encounter?
What book is that?
What method will you use?

Some important points to remember while Using Interrogative Sentences

Now that you are aware of the many interrogative sentence kinds, let's look at a few things to keep in mind while creating interrogative phrases.

Use an auxiliary verb, a modal verb, or a capital-letter-only question word to begin the interrogative phrase.

Put a question mark at the end of the interrogative statement. This is also how one may recognize an interrogative statement for the first time.

A declarative sentence's structure is somewhat inverted for an interrogative statement. Auxiliary verb, main verb, or modal verb + subject + main verb (if there are many verbs in the sentence) + remainder of the sentence is how an interrogative sentence is structured.

Interrogative Sentences and Their Uses

Although asking a question is the primary function of an interrogative sentence, interrogative sentences are capable of much more. The purposes or uses of interrogative phrases are listed below.