9/16/2011

Anatomy of a Question

As we’ve seen in a previous post, Anatomy of a Sentence, there is a basic structure for sentences, and questions are no different.

verb be + subject + adjective / noun ?
Are they students?
Are you tired?

question word before verb be ?
Who are they?
Why are you tired?

auxiliary verb + subject + main verb + complement ?
Do you like swimming?
Did she go to the pool?
(present/past simple: do/did + infinitive)
Are they swimming?
Were they swimming?
(present/past continuous: am/is/are/was/were + gerund)
Has she gone to the pool yet?
Had she gone swimming?
(present/past perfect: have + past participle)
Was the pool cleaned lately?
(passive voice: be + past participle)
Will they be ready soon?
Would you like to come with us?
Should we bring towels?

question word before the auxiliary verb:
When do you like swimming?
How did she go to the pool?
Why are they swimming?
Why were they swimming?
How often has she gone to the pool?
Where had she gone swimming?
When was the pool cleaned?

So, can you keep a question in order?

No comments: