QUESTIONS: Word Order (Sentence Structure)

 

Today we continue our chapter, "Questions,"  This lesson is learners of English at all levels of English proficiency.

In today's lesson we first discuss the sentence structure (word order) of information questions.

What's wrong with the sentence below?

Problem:  Does your brother has a job?

Before you begin the activities BELOW, you may want to study the podcast and initial grammar lesson, He's Always Talking about Grammar , also in our Library.

Direct Questions:  Yes/No Questions

What Is a Yes/No Question?

A yes/no question is a question that can be answered with the words yes or no.

  • Do I always listen to my mother?

The structure of a yes/no question is different from the structure of an information question.

Sentence Structure of Yes/No Questions

The structure of a yes/no question depends on whether the main verb is an action verb or a be verb.

...the main verb is a be verb: Simple Present or Simple Past

Structure of a Yes/NoQuestion When the Main Verb Is a 'be' Verb and in Simple Present or Simple Past Tense

Notice that if the be verb is in the simple present or simple past, the main verb (that is, the be verb) occupies the auxiliary position and the "main verb" position is empty.

The verb in the auxiliary position takes on the subject/verb agreement and time reference.

  be verb auxiliary postion) Main Subject The Rest of the Sentence
 
  Is it love when a mother tells her son what to do?
  Are there any job openings here?
  Was she worried?
 

... All Other Conditions

Structure of an Information Question When the Main Verb Is an Action Verb

We use the structure indicated below when the main verb is or uses:

  •  an action verb

  • a be verb in a progressive tense

  • a be verb in the future tense

  • a be verb in a perfect tense

  • a modal

Chart

Sentence Structure of Yes/No Questions

The verb in the auxiliary position takes on the subject/verb agreement and time reference.

  Auxiliary Main Subject The Rest of the Verb The Rest of the Sentence
Action Verbs
  Do I regret anything I have done?
  Has there been anything that you regret?
Be verbs in progressive, perfect or future tenses
  Have you started your new job yet?
  Has she been crying ?
Modals
  Will I be  satisfied with my job?
         
 

What's wrong with this sentence?

Problem:  Does your brother has a job? 
Solution:  Does your brother have a job?

Problem:  Did he ever worried about what was going to happen?
Solution:  Did he ever worry about what was going to happen?

Click here for MORE ACTIVITIES.

Next...

Our next lesson is The Sentence Structure of a Negative Question.

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