Interrogative pronouns:
Interrogative Pronouns are the WH pronouns that are used to form special questions. Let’s define interrogative pronouns by the meaning of the word ‘interrogative’. This word is taken from interrogating which means to ask or to inquire. So, the (WH) pronouns that are used to question and works as pronoun are considered interrogative pronouns.
For example, who are you? Whom did you talk to? In these two sentences ‘who’ and ‘whom’ work as pronouns and make questions.
These are five interrogative pronouns: who, whom, what, which, and whose.
Notice: Two things to keep in mind when using interrogative pronouns.
1) The formula of interrogative Pronouns:
Interrogative Pronoun + auxiliary verbs/ model verbs + main verbs
- Who are you?
- What could you bring?
- To whom did you talk?
- Whom did you see today?
- With whom did you talk?
- Whose is this pen?
- Which is your pen?
2) How to find out if it works as a pronoun?
These words should modify the noun. I am going to tell you the method to find out whether it modifies the noun or it does not.
Who are you? Answer this question. “I am John.” The answer to who is ‘John’ is a noun, and this noun can be changed by a pronoun. ‘Him’ I know him. Instead of John, we can use him. So, who is an interrogative pronoun in these sentences?
Next example: Like how are you? Similar questions, only the Wh-word is changed to how instead of ‘who’. Answer the questions. I am fine. Now fine is the answer to how, which is not a noun. It works as an adjective and tells the condition of a person. So how is modifying the main verb, that’s why how an interrogative adverb, is ‘not a pronoun?
Interrogative Pronouns list:
1) Who and whom:
They are used for persons when used as interrogative pronouns. Who works as the subject and object of the sentence, but ‘whom’ only works as an object of the sentence. In additions. Their position of them does not matter where to put them. They can be used as the subject and object of the sentences.
Example:
- Who are you?
- Who did you talk to?
- Whom did you talk to?
- With whom did you talk?
- To whom did you talk?
- I do not know to whom she talked.
2) Whose: It refers to possessions, which is a pronoun, and it follows auxiliary verbs.
- Whose is this pen?
- Whose was that envelope?
- Whose did you take?
3) What:
What mostly, is used for things and ideas.
- What are you doing?
- What could you say?
- What can I do for you?
- What is a lolly pop?
- What is the car made of?
4) Which:
It is used for persons and things with multiple choices.
- Which of the cars is yours?
- Which of them goes with you?
- Which is the best answer to this question?