Question Words

noun a request for information or a favor

verb to inquire about something by speaking or writing

• I need to ask for permission before making any changes to the project.
• Can I ask you a question about the homework?
• I'm gonna ask my boss for a day off next week.
• Sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

noun a word used in asking a question, such as 'who', 'what', 'where', 'when', 'why', or 'how'

adjective relating to or denoting a question

• The interrogative tone of the prosecutor's questions made the witness uneasy.
• Why are you always asking so many interrogative questions?
• Stop with the interrogative talk, it's annoying.
• The interrogative nature of her art leaves viewers pondering deeper meanings.

adverb used to ask about the purpose or reason for something

preposition used to ask about the intended use or destination of something

• Can you please explain to me what for you need this information?
• Hey, why do you need this information for?
• Yo, what's the deal with needing this info for?
• I don't understand what for you're asking me to do this.

adverb used to introduce a question about time

conjunction used to introduce a clause indicating a point in time

• When the meeting starts, please make sure to have all your documents ready.
• When we get to the party, let's grab some drinks first.
• When he finally shows up, we can start the game.
• When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.