Interrogative Adjective: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Interrogative Adjectives in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, why they matter, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is an Interrogative Adjective?
Interrogative Adjective Definition: An Interrogative Adjective is a word used to ask questions about a noun. The main interrogative adjectives in English are which, what, and whose.
Why are Interrogative Adjectives Important? They help us ask clear and specific questions about people or things. For example, instead of saying "Book is yours?" you can say "Which book is yours?"
Function in Grammar
Interrogative adjectives are used before nouns to ask questions about them. They help specify which person or thing is being asked about. For example:
- Without Interrogative Adjective: Book is yours?
- With Interrogative Adjective: Which book is yours?
Interrogative Adjective vs Interrogative Pronoun: An interrogative adjective comes before a noun (which book), while an interrogative pronoun stands alone (which is yours?).
Interrogative Adjective vs Descriptive Adjective
| Interrogative Adjective | Descriptive Adjective |
|---|---|
| which | red |
| what | tall |
| whose | happy |
| which | old |
An interrogative adjective asks about a noun, while a descriptive adjective describes qualities.
📌 Interrogative Adjective Challenge!
Can you spot the interrogative adjectives in these questions?
- Which color do you like?
- What movie are we watching?
- Whose bag is this?
Show Answers
- Which
- What
- Whose
Examples of Interrogative Adjectives in Sentences
- Which book is yours?
- What time is the meeting?
- Whose shoes are these?
- Which team won the match?
- What subject do you like?
- Whose pencil is this?
- Which way should we go?
- What color is your car?
- Whose idea was that?
- Which movie do you want to watch?
- What day is it today?
- Whose phone is ringing?
- Which class are you in?
- What game do you want to play?
- Whose turn is it?
Notice how each interrogative adjective is used to ask about a noun.
List of Interrogative Adjectives
- which (used to ask about a specific noun from a known set)
- what (used to ask about a noun in general)
- whose (used to ask about ownership or possession)
Interrogative Adjective Usage
| Adjective | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| which | Specific choice from a set | Which color do you like? |
| what | General inquiry | What time is it? |
| whose | Ownership/possession | Whose bag is this? |
Use which, what, and whose to ask questions about nouns.
Special Rules and Notes
- Placement: Interrogative adjectives always come before the noun they describe.
- Questions Only: Interrogative adjectives are only used in questions.
- Not Pronouns: Do not confuse interrogative adjectives (which book) with interrogative pronouns (which is yours?).
- Whose: Use "whose" to ask about ownership (Whose bag is this?).
- What vs Which: Use "what" for general questions, "which" for specific choices.
- Capitalization: Only capitalize interrogative adjectives at the beginning of a sentence.
Quick Quiz: Spot the Interrogative Adjective!
Which words are interrogative adjectives in these questions?
- Which book is yours?
- What color is your car?
- Whose shoes are these?
- Which team won the match?
- What subject do you like?
Answers: Which, What, Whose, Which, What
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an adjective?
An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, providing more information about its qualities, characteristics, or attributes.
How do you identify an adjective?
Adjectives answer questions like "What kind?", "Which one?", "How many?", or "How much?" about nouns.
What are the different types of adjectives?
Common types include descriptive adjectives, quantitative adjectives, demonstrative adjectives, possessive adjectives, interrogative adjectives, and proper adjectives.
Where do adjectives usually appear in a sentence?
Adjectives usually come before the noun they describe, but they can also come after linking verbs like "is," "are," "was," and "were."
Can adjectives be compared?
Yes, many adjectives have comparative and superlative forms to show degrees of comparison (e.g., tall, taller, tallest).
Conclusion
Understanding interrogative adjectives is key to asking clear and specific questions in English. Interrogative adjectives help you get the information you need and make your communication more effective. Practice identifying and using them in everything you read or write. The more you practice, the easier it gets!