What Is an Interrogative Sentence? (with Examples)
Interrogative Sentence
An interrogative sentence is one that asks a direct question and always ends in a question mark.
The term interrogative sentence is another name for a question.
Easy Examples of Interrogative Sentences
Here are some examples of interrogative sentences:
- Has anyone seen my torch?
- What’s the capital of Peru?
- Shall we ask Simon or Jonesy?
Types of Question
There are three main types of question:
- Yes/No Questions.
- Example: Is it raining?
- (The answer to a yes/no question will be yes or no.)
- (Answer to this question: No.)
- “Question Word” Questions.
- Example: Why are you bored?
- (The answer to a “question word” question will be information.)
- (Answer: I’ve seen this film before.)
- Choice Questions.
- Example: Do you want salsa dip or cheese dip?
- (The answer to a choice question will be in the question.)
- (Answer: salsa dip)
Read more about forming direct questions.
Real-Life Examples of Interrogative Sentences
- Is it possible to succeed without any act of betrayal? (Film director Jean Renoir)
- (This is a yes/no question, i.e., the answer is yes or no.)
- Why do I crave everything when I’m dieting? (Reality star Kim Kardashian)
- (This is a question-word question, the answer to which is information.)
- Do you want to feel good or to do good? (Singer Ted Nugent)
- (This is a choice question, the answer to which is in the question.)
Why Should I Care about Interrogative Sentences?
There are two good reasons to care about interrogative sentences.
(Reason 1) Don’t use a question mark after a non-question. (Beware indirect questions!)
Interrogative sentences (i.e., questions) are not responsible for serious errors among native English speakers, who understand how to form the three question types. By far the biggest issue related to interrogative sentences is writers thinking a non-question is a question and using a question mark.
- I want to know if it’s finished?
- I wonder if I’ll ever find my torch?
(These are not questions but statements. They should end in periods (full stops).)
This error typically occurs when the statement contains an indirect question. An indirect question is a direct question embedded inside a statement or another question. Here, the embedded direct questions are “Is it finished?” and “Will I ever find my torch?”.
Read more about indirect questions.
(Reason 2) Use a rhetorical question to raise a subject.
Rhetorical questions (i.e., ones that are not expected to elicit an answer) can be used to make a point or to introduce a subject.
- When are you ever settled enough to have kids? (Actor Benedict Cumberbatch)
- (This is a rhetorical question designed to make a point not to elicit an answer. It’s an interesting way of saying “You are never settled enough to have kids.”)
- Is the Loch Ness monster dead?
(This is a rhetorical question designed to introduce a subject. Often used as titles, rhetorical questions are designed to pique the audience’s interest.)
Read more about rhetorical questions.
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AGH / Feb 2020