Interrogative Pronoun: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Interrogative Pronouns 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 Pronoun?
Interrogative Pronoun Definition: An Interrogative Pronoun is a word used to ask questions about people, places, things, or ideas. Interrogative pronouns help us gather information and seek clarification.
Why are Interrogative Pronouns Important? They are essential for asking questions, gathering information, and engaging in meaningful conversations. Without interrogative pronouns, we wouldn't be able to ask "who," "what," "which," or "whose."
Function in Grammar
Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions and gather specific information. They always appear at the beginning of questions and help us identify what kind of information we're seeking. For example:
- Who - asks about people
- What - asks about things, ideas, or actions
- Which - asks about choices or options
- Whose - asks about possession or ownership
- Whom - asks about people (object form, less common)
Interrogative Pronoun vs Interrogative Adjective: Interrogative pronouns replace nouns in questions, while interrogative adjectives modify nouns (Which book do you want?).
Interrogative Pronouns Chart
| Interrogative Pronoun | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| who | Asks about people (subject) | Who is coming to the party? |
| whom | Asks about people (object) | Whom did you invite? |
| what | Asks about things/ideas | What is your favorite color? |
| which | Asks about choices | Which do you prefer? |
| whose | Asks about possession | Whose book is this? |
Interrogative pronouns help us ask specific questions to gather information.
📌 Interrogative Pronoun Challenge!
Can you identify which interrogative pronouns are used in these questions?
- Who is your best friend?
- What time is the meeting?
- Which color do you like?
Show Answers
- Who (asking about a person)
- What (asking about a thing/information)
- Which (asking about a choice)
Examples of Interrogative Pronouns in Sentences
- Who is coming to dinner tonight?
- What did you do yesterday?
- Which of these books is yours?
- Whose car is parked outside?
- Whom did you speak to?
- Who wrote this letter?
- What time does the movie start?
- Which restaurant do you recommend?
- Whose phone is ringing?
- What is your favorite hobby?
- Who won the competition?
- Which team are you supporting?
- Whose idea was this?
- What makes you happy?
- Who is responsible for this?
Notice how each interrogative pronoun comes at the beginning of the question and asks for specific information.
Types of Interrogative Pronouns
- Who: Used to ask about people (subject form)
- Whom: Used to ask about people (object form, formal)
- What: Used to ask about things, ideas, actions, or information
- Which: Used to ask about choices or options from a limited set
- Whose: Used to ask about possession or ownership
Who vs Whom Usage
| Pronoun | Function | Example | Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| who | Subject | Who is coming? | He/she is coming |
| whom | Object | Whom did you call? | I called him/her |
Use "who" for subjects and "whom" for objects, though "whom" is becoming less common in modern English.
Special Rules and Notes
- Position: Interrogative pronouns always come at the beginning of questions.
- Who vs Whom: "Who" is used as the subject, "whom" as the object. However, "whom" is becoming less common in modern English.
- What vs Which: "What" asks about general things, "which" asks about specific choices from a limited set.
- Whose: Always shows possession and can be followed by a noun (Whose book?) or stand alone (Whose is this?).
- Indirect Questions: Interrogative pronouns can be used in indirect questions: "I wonder who is coming."
- Relative Clauses: Interrogative pronouns can introduce relative clauses: "The person who called is my friend."
- Formal vs Informal: "Whom" is more formal than "who" and is often replaced by "who" in casual speech.
- Capitalization: Interrogative pronouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence.
Quick Quiz: Spot the Interrogative Pronoun!
Which words are interrogative pronouns in these questions?
- Who is your favorite teacher?
- What time does the bus arrive?
- Which movie do you want to watch?
- Whose car is parked outside?
- Whom did you invite to the party?
- What is your favorite food?
- Who won the game yesterday?
- Which color looks better on me?
Answers: Who, What, Which, Whose, Whom, What, Who, Which
🔧 Sentence Correction Challenge!
Can you spot and fix the mistakes in these questions?
- Whose is this book? (Incorrect)
- Who did you give the gift to? (Incorrect - formal context)
- What of these options do you prefer? (Incorrect)
Show Corrected Questions
- Whose book is this? (Add the noun after "whose")
- Whom did you give the gift to? (Use "whom" for object in formal context)
- Which of these options do you prefer? (Use "which" for choices)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an interrogative pronoun?
An interrogative pronoun is a word used to ask questions about people, places, things, or ideas. Common interrogative pronouns include who, whom, whose, what, and which.
What are examples of interrogative pronouns?
Examples include who, whom, whose, what, which. These pronouns are used to ask questions and gather information about specific people, places, or things.
How do interrogative pronouns differ from other pronouns?
Interrogative pronouns are specifically used to ask questions, while other pronouns replace nouns in statements. They always appear at the beginning of questions.
When do you use "who" vs "whom"?
"Who" is used as the subject of a question, while "whom" is used as the object. However, "whom" is becoming less common in modern English.
What is the difference between "what" and "which"?
"What" asks about general things or unlimited options, while "which" asks about specific choices from a limited set of options.
Conclusion
Understanding interrogative pronouns is key to asking questions effectively in English. These pronouns help us gather information, seek clarification, and engage in meaningful conversations. Always remember that interrogative pronouns come at the beginning of questions and help us identify what kind of information we're seeking. Pay attention to the differences between "who" and "whom," "what" and "which," and how "whose" shows possession. Practice using them in your daily conversations and writing. The more you practice, the more natural your questions will become!