Definition of Interrogative
An interrogative is a type of sentence that is used to ask a question or seek information. It is commonly used to gather factual details or to clarify something that is unknown or uncertain. Interrogatives typically start with a question word (such as who, what, when, where, why, or how) or an auxiliary verb.
Characteristics of Interrogatives
Interrogatives have several distinguishing features:
- Question word or auxiliary verb: Interrogatives begin with a question word (e.g., what, who, how) or an auxiliary verb (e.g., do, can, will).
- Inverted word order: In many languages, the word order of interrogatives is inverted compared to declarative sentences. For example, “You are going home” becomes “Are you going home?”
- Rising intonation: When spoken, interrogatives often have a rising intonation at the end to indicate that it is a question.
Types of Interrogatives
Interrogatives can be categorized into different types based on the information they seek. Some common types include:
- Yes/No questions: These questions ask for a simple “yes” or “no” response. For example, “Are you coming?”
- Wh- questions: Wh- questions use question words like what, who, when, where, why, or how to seek more specific details. For example, “What is your favorite color?”
- Choice questions: These questions present options for the respondent to choose from. For example, “Which movie do you want to watch?”
- Tag questions: Tag questions are added to the end of a statement to request confirmation or affirmation. For example, “You’re coming, aren’t you?”
Overall, interrogatives play a vital role in communication by enabling individuals to gather information, seek clarification, and engage in meaningful conversations.