Interrogative pronouns are essential question words in English grammar. They help form direct and indirect questions and are widely used in academic writing, daily communication, and competitive exams. Understanding their correct usage improves sentence structure, clarity, and grammatical accuracy.
Introduction to Interrogative Pronouns
Interrogative pronouns are pronouns used to ask questions. They help gather information about people, things, choices, and ownership. The main interrogative pronouns in English are who, whom, whose, which, and what. These words are frequently tested in school exams and competitive examinations. A clear understanding of interrogative pronouns improves grammar skills and sentence accuracy.
Definition of Interrogative Pronouns
Interrogative pronouns are words used to ask questions and stand in place of a noun. They help identify people, objects, ownership, or choices.
Main Interrogative Pronouns:
- Who
- Whom
- Whose
- Which
- What
Rules for Using Interrogative Pronouns
- Who is used for the subject of a sentence.
- Whom is used for the object of a verb or preposition.
- Whose shows possession.
- Which is used when choosing from limited options.
- What is used for general information or unlimited choices.
100 Examples of Interrogative Pronouns
- Who is calling?
- Who wrote this book?
- Who is your teacher?
- Who won the match?
- Who is at the door?
- Who made this cake?
- Who wants tea?
- Who invited you?
- Who broke the glass?
- Who is responsible?
- Whom did you meet?
- Whom are you calling?
- Whom did she invite?
- Whom do you trust?
- Whom did they select?
- Whom are we supporting?
- Whom did he thank?
- Whom should I contact?
- Whom did the teacher praise?
- Whom are they blaming?
- Whose book is this?
- Whose pen is on the table?
- Whose bag was stolen?
- Whose idea was this?
- Whose phone is ringing?
- Whose car is parked outside?
- Whose responsibility is this?
- Whose turn is it?
- Whose shoes are these?
- Whose house did you visit?
- Which color do you prefer?
- Which book is yours?
- Which route is shorter?
- Which subject do you like?
- Which option is correct?
- Which team won?
- Which movie did you watch?
- Which player scored?
- Which day is today?
- Which pen is better?
- What is your name?
- What are you doing?
- What is the time?
- What caused the delay?
- What do you want?
- What happened yesterday?
- What is your goal?
- What did she say?
- What makes you happy?
- What is the answer?
- Who teaches English here?
- Who completed the task?
- Who approved the plan?
- Who sent this message?
- Who solved the problem?
- Who organized the event?
- Who answered the question?
- Who opened the window?
- Who signed the letter?
- Who discovered the truth?
- Whom did the manager appoint?
- Whom are they waiting for?
- Whom did you recommend?
- Whom did he choose?
- Whom did we inform?
- Whom did she consult?
- Whom are you referring to?
- Whom did they interview?
- Whom did the police question?
- Whom did the judge punish?
- Whose decision was final?
- Whose marks are highest?
- Whose performance impressed you?
- Whose documents are missing?
- Whose advice did you follow?
- Whose laptop is this?
- Whose opinion matters?
- Whose project was selected?
- Whose complaint was addressed?
- Whose results were declared?
- Which chapter is important?
- Which answer is correct?
- Which bus goes to the station?
- Which candidate qualified?
- Which policy was implemented?
- Which language do you speak?
- Which exam are you preparing for?
- Which solution worked?
- Which product sells more?
- Which district reported rain?
- What is the issue?
- What are the rules?
- What did the notice say?
- What inspired you?
- What is the result?
- What do you suggest?
- What is your opinion?
- What led to success?
- What are the benefits?
- What is the conclusion?
Important Tips for Competitive Exams
- Understand the difference between who and whom. Replace with he/she to test who, and him/her to test whom.
- Remember that whose is used for both people and things.
- Use which when options are limited and specific.
- Use what when choices are unlimited.
- Practice error detection questions involving interrogative pronouns.
- Pay attention to prepositions placed before whom in formal English.
- Learn indirect question patterns for exams.
- Revise subject-verb agreement with interrogative pronouns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using who instead of whom in object position.
- Confusing which and what.
- Using whose incorrectly for plural forms.
- Forgetting question mark in direct questions.
FAQs
- What are interrogative pronouns?
Interrogative pronouns are pronouns used to ask questions. Examples include who, whom, whose, which, and what. - What is the difference between who and whom?
Who is used as the subject of a sentence, while whom is used as the object of a verb or preposition. - Can whose be used for things?
Yes. Whose can be used for both people and things to show possession. - Are interrogative pronouns important for competitive exams?
Yes. Questions on interrogative pronouns appear in grammar sections of SSC, Banking, UPSC, Railways, and other exams.
Conclusion
Interrogative pronouns play a vital role in English grammar. Proper understanding of who, whom, whose, which, and what helps students construct correct questions and avoid grammatical errors. Regular practice of interrogative pronouns improves accuracy and boosts confidence in school and competitive examinations.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Learners are advised to refer to standard grammar textbooks and official exam syllabi for detailed preparation.
Also Read: Verb Conjugation: Complete Guide with 100 Examples for Students and Competitive Exams
Imperative Sentences: Definition, Rules, Structure, and 100 Practical Examples
