What Are Wh Words in English?
You may have come across words in English that start with the letters “wh,” but what exactly are they? “Wh” words are a set of question words or relative pronouns used to clarify information related to a person, thing, place, time, reason, or manner. These words can be categorized into two broad categories: interrogative wh words and relative wh words.
Interrogative Wh Words
Interrogative wh words are used to ask questions, and they include:
What: used to ask about a thing or an idea
Where: used to ask about a place
When: used to ask about time
Who: used to ask about a person
Why: used to ask about a reason for something
How: used to ask about manner, condition, or quality
Relative Wh Words
Relative wh words are used to introduce a relative clause, which gives additional information about the subject or object of a sentence. These words include:
Who: used for people (subject)
Whom: used for people (object)
Whose: used to indicate possession by people
Which: used for things, animals, or groups
That: used for people, things, or animals
Common Wh Phrases in English
Besides individual wh words, there are also common phrases in English that use wh words. These phrases include:
What if: used to express a hypothetical scenario
What time: used to specify a particular time
Which one: used to choose between two or more alternatives
Whereas: used to express a contrast or comparison
Whereby: used to indicate the means by which something is achieved
Using Wh Words in English
Wh words are essential in English for asking questions, clarifying information, and adding more detail. Whether you are writing an essay, conducting an interview, or having a conversation, using wh words can help you communicate effectively. Using them correctly is also important, as using the wrong word can change the meaning of your sentence. So take the time to learn how to use and identify wh words in English properly.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, wh words in English are a set of question words and relative pronouns used to clarify information related to a person, thing, place, time, reason, or manner. There are interrogative wh words used to ask questions, and relative wh words used to introduce additional information about the subject or object in a sentence. Understanding how to use and identify these words correctly is crucial in communicating effectively in English.