Question Words: Who, What, Where, When, Why, Which, Whose

Question words are the foundation of asking questions in English, and understanding exactly what each one asks about is essential for clear communication. This lesson covers all seven core question words. Who asks about a person, used when you want to know someone's identity. What asks about a thing or piece of information, used for objects, actions, or general details. Where asks about a place or location, and when asks specifically about time. Why asks about a reason or explanation behind something, while which asks about a choice between specific options. Finally, whose asks about ownership, identifying who something belongs to. Each of these question words serves a distinct purpose, and mixing them up is a common mistake for English learners, especially between which and what, or who and whose. Mastering these seven words gives you the foundation to ask almost any question in English clearly and correctly, whether in casual conversation or formal settings.