Do you know how to ask questions using what, which, or whose before a noun? These words are called interrogative adjectives. In this blog post, you will learn what they are, how to use them correctly, and see simple examples. They are short but important in asking clear questions in English.
What are Interrogative Adjectives?
Interrogative adjectives are question words used before nouns to ask questions. They help us get specific information about a person, thing, or choice.
The three main interrogative adjectives are:
- What
- Which
- Whose
These words are followed by a noun and used in questions.
Easy Definition of Interrogative Adjectives
Interrogative adjectives are question words that come before a noun and help us ask questions about things, people, or ownership.
Examples in Sentences:
- What movie do you want to watch?
- Which dress should I wear?
- Whose pencil is on the desk?
Each question has an interrogative adjective before the noun.
What is the Role of Interrogative Adjectives?
Interrogative adjectives play a very important role in asking questions in English. These adjectives help us ask about:
- Things (What)
- Choices (Which)
- Belonging (Whose)
They always appear before a noun and help the listener understand what kind of answer is needed.
They ask about a specific noun
- What subject do you like?
They help make questions clear
- Which book do you prefer?
They show ownership or belonging
- Whose pen is this?
Structure in Sentences
Interrogative Adjective + Noun + Verb/Helping Verb + Rest of Sentence
Examples:
- What color do you like?
- Which shirt is yours?
- Whose bicycle is parked here?
Interrogative Adjectives with Meaning
| Word | Use For | Example Question |
|---|---|---|
| What | Thing or kind | What book are you reading? |
| Which | Choice or option | Which color do you like? |
| Whose | Belonging or ownership | Whose bag is this? |
When to Use What, Which, Whose?
Use What
When you are asking about something in general.
- What subject do you like?
- What game is fun?
Use Which
When you are choosing from a known group.
- Which book should I read?
- Which student came first?
Use Whose
When you are asking about ownership or belonging.
- Whose jacket is this?
- Whose phone rang?
Used in Different Contexts
About People or Things
- Which boy is your brother?
- What car do you drive?
About Choices
- Which fruit do you prefer – apple or banana?
- What gift should we buy?
About Belonging
- Whose notebook is on the table?
- Whose turn is it?
Example Sentences of Interrogative Adjectives
- What book are you reading?
- What time is the meeting?
- What color is your car?
- What food do you like the most?
- What subject do you study in school?
- What movie do you want to watch?
- What language does she speak?
- Which dress should I wear today?
- Which way is faster?
- Which pencil is yours?
- Which student answered first?
- Which cup do you want – red or blue?
- Which mobile phone is better?
- Which game do you like more?
- Whose bag is this?
- Whose turn is it now?
- Whose dog is barking outside?
- Whose phone just rang?
- Whose shoes are near the door?
- Whose notebook is missing?
Quick Review Table
| Interrogative | Followed by | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| What | Noun | Ask about general info | What city is this? |
| Which | Noun | Ask to choose | Which pen is yours? |
| Whose | Noun | Ask about ownership | Whose keys are these? |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ What is your bag?
✅ Whose bag is this?
❌ Which is your name?
✅ What is your name?
❌ What one do you want?
✅ Which one do you want?
Interrogative adjectives like what, which, whose help us ask clear and correct questions in English. These words always come before a noun and make your questions sound natural and smart.
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