Asking questions is essential for communication in daily life, whether at home, school, work, or in public. At A1–A2 level, mastering verb use in questions helps learners seek information, make requests, and interact confidently. This guide explains types of questions, verb forms, common mistakes, and exercises in detail.
1. Introduction to Questions
Definition:
A question is a sentence used to ask for information, clarification, permission, or opinion.
Purpose:
- Gather information: “What time is it?”
- Confirm understanding: “Do you understand?”
- Request action: “Can you help me?”
- Clarify details: “Where is the station?”
Key Points:
- English questions often require auxiliary verbs.
- The verb tense must match the situation: present, past, or future.
- Questions can be yes/no, wh-questions, tag questions, or embedded questions.
2. Yes/No Questions
2.1 Forming Yes/No Questions
Present Simple: Do / Does + subject + base verb
- Do you like pizza?
- Does she live in Melbourne?
Past Simple: Did + subject + base verb
- Did you finish your homework?
- Did they go to school yesterday?
Be Verb Questions: Am / Is / Are / Was / Were + subject
- Are you ready?
- Is he at home?
- Was she late?
Modal Verbs Questions: Can / Could / Will / Should / Must + subject + base verb
- Can you help me?
- Could I borrow a pen?
- Will she come to the meeting?
- Should I call him now?
2.2 Short Answers
| Question | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Do you like coffee? | Yes, I do. | No, I don’t. |
| Does he play football? | Yes, he does. | No, he doesn’t. |
| Are you tired? | Yes, I am. | No, I’m not. |
| Can you swim? | Yes, I can. | No, I can’t. |
3. Wh-Questions
Wh-questions use question words: what, where, when, who, which, why, how, how many, how much.
3.1 Forming Wh-Questions
Structure: Wh-word + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb
Examples:
- What do you want to eat?
- Where does she live?
- When did they arrive?
- Who is your teacher?
- Which book do you like?
- Why are you late?
- How do you go to school?
- How many apples did you buy?
- How much is this bag?
Tip: The verb tense must match the action or situation.
4. Tag Questions
Definition: A short question at the end of a statement, used to confirm information.
Form:
- Positive statement → negative tag
- Negative statement → positive tag
Examples:
- You’re a student, aren’t you?
- She doesn’t like tea, does she?
- They went to the park, didn’t they?
- You can speak English, can’t you?
Tip: Tag questions are common in conversations to check or confirm information politely.
5. Embedded Questions
Definition: A polite or indirect question included inside another sentence.
Form: Question word + subject + verb (no auxiliary inversion)
Examples:
- Can you tell me where the station is?
- I’d like to know what time the bus arrives.
- Do you know who is at the door?
- Could you explain how to use this machine?
Tip: Embedded questions are more polite and formal than direct questions.
6. Verb Forms in Everyday Questions
| Category | Example Verbs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base verbs | eat, go, play, read, watch | Used with do/does/did |
| Be verbs | am, is, are, was, were | Used alone in questions |
| Modal verbs | can, could, should, must, will | Express ability, permission, obligation, or future |
| Phrasal verbs | look after, give up, turn on, take off | Often in practical daily questions |
Examples in Context:
- What time does the bus leave?
- Where is the nearest bank?
- Can you help me with this task?
- Who looks after your pets?
7. Common Mistakes in Questions
| Mistake | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| You like pizza? | Do you like pizza? | Auxiliary “do” is required |
| Where you are going? | Where are you going? | Subject-verb inversion needed |
| Can you to help me? | Can you help me? | Remove “to” after modal verb |
| Why you didn’t call? | Why didn’t you call? | Past tense requires “did” auxiliary |
| How many books you have? | How many books do you have? | Use auxiliary “do” |
8. Questions for Daily Life
8.1 Home
- What are you doing?
- Can you help me with this?
- Where is my phone?
- Who cooked dinner?
- How many cups of tea do we have?
8.2 School / Classroom
- Did you do your homework?
- Can I borrow a pencil?
- What page are we on?
- How do you solve this exercise?
- Who is absent today?
8.3 Public Places / Shops
- How much is this?
- Where can I find bread?
- Can I pay by card?
- What time does the train leave?
- Is there a bus to the city center?
9. Exercises for Practice
9.1 Convert Statements to Questions
- You like ice cream. → ______
- She can swim. → ______
- They went to the park yesterday. → ______
- He is your teacher. → ______
- You have a pen. → ______
Answers:
- Do you like ice cream?
- Can she swim?
- Did they go to the park yesterday?
- Is he your teacher?
- Do you have a pen?
9.2 Complete the Questions
- ______ (Where / you / go) every morning?
- ______ (Did / she / finish) her homework?
- ______ (What / is) your favorite color?
- ______ (Can / I / borrow) your notebook?
- ______ (Who / is) at the door?
Answers:
- Where do you go every morning?
- Did she finish her homework?
- What is your favorite color?
- Can I borrow your notebook?
- Who is at the door?
10. Teaching Tips for Everyday Questions
- Start with yes/no questions using do/does/did and be verbs.
- Introduce wh-questions gradually: what, where, when, who, why, how.
- Practice short answers for confidence: yes/no + auxiliary verb.
- Use tag questions for natural conversation practice.
- Teach embedded questions for polite interactions.
- Use daily-life situations: home, school, shops, travel.
- Role-play conversations to reinforce question formation.
- Highlight common mistakes and correct instantly.
11. Summary Checklist
- Use auxiliary verbs (do, does, did) with base verbs for yes/no questions.
- Use be verbs alone in questions: am, is, are, was, were.
- Use modal verbs for ability, permission, or obligation: can, could, should, must.
- Use wh-words for detailed questions: what, where, when, who, why, how.
- Use short answers: yes/no + auxiliary verb.
- Practice tag questions for confirmation.
- Use embedded questions for polite and formal interactions.
- Apply in daily-life contexts: home, school, public places.
- Correct common mistakes: inversion, auxiliary verbs, “to” after modals.
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