Interrogative adverbs

What are interrogative adverbs?

Interrogative adverbs are why, where, how, when. They are used to the beginning of a question.

Example:

1. How does he speak?
2. When does the train arrive?
3. Why are you so late?
4. Where is my passport?

Note:  When an interrogative adverb starts a question, the second word is the verb.

Different Types of Interrogative Adverb

Interrogative adverbs are used to ask different types of questions.

For example:

• Where is used to ask about place related,
• when is used to ask about time-related,
• why is used to ask about reasons,
• how is used to ask about the manner, degree, time, amount, or quantity in which something is done?

Interrogative Adverbs of Time

When an interrogative adverb is used to ask about a time-related, it is known as an interrogative adverb of time.

Normally, the interrogative adverb will be when, but how is also used to ask time-related questions (mainly how long, how early, how soon).

Example:

1. When did the exam start?
2. When will you start reading?
3. When will you call me to meet me?
4. How long have you started studying?
5. How long did you stay in Australia?
6. How soon can you begin work?

Interrogative adverbs of Place

The interrogative adverb where is used to ask about a place.

Example:

1. Where do we have to go tonight?
2. Where were you spending time?
3. Where is the cinema?
4. Where is your bother?
5. Where has she come from?
6. Where do you live?

Interrogative Adverbs of Reason

The interrogative adverb why is used to ask about a reason.

Example:

1. Why are you watching this film again?
2. Why were you absent yesterday?
3. Why are you crying?
4. Why did you quit?
5. Why did you manage this?
6. Why are you late today?

Interrogative Adverbs of Manner

The interrogative adverb how is used to ask about manner. Some of the options for interrogative adverbs require the other person to explain in a manner.

Example:

1. How do you drive the car? 
2. How was your holiday so good?
3. How are you doing?
4. How was the experience?
5. How quickly can you read this?

Interrogative Adverbs of Amount, Quantity, and Degree

The interrogative adverb how is used to ask for amounts, quantities, and degrees.

Sometimes, when you use some interrogative adverbs, the person in front of you may want to tell you in phrases of amount and quantity.

Example:

1. How much do I have to pay?
2. How many sweets have you eaten?
3. How much do you know him?
4. How far can you go?
5. How much more do you want?
6. How much flour do I need?

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