Want to ask clear questions in English? Start with the six super-helpful words: who, what, where, when, why, how. In this A1 lesson, you’ll learn what each one means, how to use them in simple sentences, and how to sound polite. Try the short exercises as you go!

Meet the question words

Here’s a quick guide:

• who — asks about a person
• what — asks about a thing or idea
• where — asks about a place
• when — asks about time
• why — asks about a reason
• how — asks about a manner, method, or condition (often used with adjectives: how old, how far, how much)

We’ll practice them in everyday situations.

is that man?

Be vs. do: quick examples

• With be: What is your name? Where are your keys?
• With do/does: When do you start? Why does he study English? How do they cook rice?

These patterns will help you build correct questions.

Why you are late? → Why are you late? In English questions, the verb comes before the subject: WH + be/do + subject + main verb.

Polite questions and culture notes

In English-speaking places, it’s polite to start with a soft phrase:

• Excuse me…
• Could you tell me…? (more polite)
• Please (add to a request)
• Thank you (after you get help)

Examples:

• Excuse me, where is the restroom, please?
• Could you tell me when the museum opens?

In everyday conversation, your voice usually goes up slightly at the end of a question. With WH-questions, the intonation often falls a little at the end, but this can vary by region. Focus first on word order; your meaning will be clear.

Practice with short answers

Remember:

• Why…? answers often start with Because…
  Why are you tired? Because I didn’t sleep.
• Where…? answers are places: at home, at school, in London, on the table.
• When…? answers are times: at 8, on Monday, in July, tomorrow.

Try these quick blanks:

do you go to work? (by bus, by car, on foot)

Great! A few more examples for your notebook:

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don’t say: What age are you?
  Say: How old are you?
• Don’t say: Where you live?
  Say: Where do you live?
• Don’t say: When opens the shop?
  Say: When does the shop open?

These small fixes make your questions clear and natural.

is your favorite food?

Summary

• who → person
• what → thing/idea
• where → place
• when → time
• why → reason
• how → manner/method; also with adjectives (how old) and quantities (how much/how many)

Focus on the patterns: WH + be/do + subject + verb. Add polite phrases like “Excuse me” and “please” when you ask for help.

You’ve got this! Keep asking real questions this week:

• Where are you now?
• When do you eat dinner?
• How do you spell your name?
• Why do you like your city?

Practice with a friend or write your own mini-dialogues. The more you ask, the faster you’ll improve.