Interrogative Pronouns

Definition

An interrogative pronoun is a word used to introduce a question in which it replaces a person or a thing that somebody asks about. 

Here is a list of interrogative pronouns:

Main interrogative pronouns

• What
• Who
• Whom
• Whose
• Which

Less common interrogative pronouns

• Whatever
• Whoever
• Whomever
• Whichever
• Whatsoever
• Whosoever
• Whomsoever
• Whichsoever

Notes: 

1. The pronouns (whatever, whoever, whomever, whichever) are synonyms with (whatsoever, whosoever, whomsoever, whichsoever).
2. The words ended with the suffix '-soever' are considered more antiquated in the modern English language.

Usage of interrogative pronouns 

Generally, the interrogative pronouns can appear:

• at the beginning of an interrogative clause (in the case of a direct question)
• at the middle of an interrogative clause ( in the case of indirect question)

It indicates to something about which we ask to get information.

Example

• What is Alex's favorite football player?

As we notice the interrogative pronoun 'what'  appears at the beginning of the interrogative clause ; it takes the place of  the noun indicating a name of a football player that Alex likes.

• Whom did John invite to attend his party?

The interrogative pronoun 'whom' also appears at the beginning of the interrogative clause, replacing the noun which indicates to a person that John invited.

• May you ask Olivia what her nationality is ?

The pronoun 'what' almost appears at the middle of the interrogative clause. It refers to the noun that introduces Olivia's nationality.

The eight less common interrogative pronouns take the grammatical function of nouns as well they are used to show emphasis or surprise.

Example

• Whoever can tell me about this bad conduct?
• Whomever do you ask to help you solving this question?
• Whatever did you say?

Interrogative pronouns, adverbs or adjectives

The interrogative pronouns take the place of a noun about which the question is. The noun may refer to:

• A person which is the subject of a sentence. In this case, the suitable word to be used is 'who'.

1. Who is happy?
2. Anna is happy.

• A person which is the object of a sentence. So, the proper word used is 'whom'.

1. Whom did he send a letter?
2. He sent a letter to Katrina.

• A thing which is the subject or the object of a sentence. The appropriate word to be used is 'which' or 'what'.

1. What did she eat?
2. She ate an apple. 
3. Which did come by the lake?
4. A  beautiful cat came by the lake.

• Someone's possession. In this case, the suitable word used is 'whose'.

1. Whose is this?
2. This is Sophia's.

On the other hand, the interrogative adverbs (where, when, how, and why) are used to modify an adverb.

Take a look to these following examples in which all of the pronouns function as adverbs:

• Where do you live?
• When did you meet her?
• How old is your dog?
• Why do you happy?

However, the interrogative adjectives (which, what, and whose ) come before a noun and modify it. For example:

• Which grammar book do you have?
• What watch brand do you like?
• Whose book is this?

Exercises

Exercise (1)

What is the function of interrogative pronouns?

1. Providing a sentence with additional information
2. Introducing questions
3. Informing readers who or what a sentence is about

Which of the following is not an interrogative pronoun?

1. Who
2. Whatsoever
3. Which
4. Why

Identify the main and the less common interrogative pronouns 

1. Whoever
2. Whichever 
3. Which
4. How
5. Who
6. When
7. Whatsoever

Exercise (2)

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate interrogative pronouns to complete the sentences

1. ......................... is your cat's name?
2. ......................... did Oliver bring a gift to?
3. ......................... Did draw a cat on the black bird?
4. ......................... is this house?

Answer key

Exercise (1)

2

4

Main interrogative pronouns : Which,Who

less common interrogative pronouns: Whoever, Whichever, Whatsoever

Exercise (2)

What, Whom, Who, Whose