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Four main types of sentences are commonly used in English writing; interrogative sentences are one of them. An interrogative sentence is essential for inquiring or asking a question to clarify information.
Learn how to use interrogative sentences in writing and the proper punctuation to use with them. Then, review your writing for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation with the Originality.ai Grammar Checker.
The word “interrogative” comes from the verb “interrogate,” meaning: “to ask questions.” An interrogative sentence does just that.
In all forms of communication, questions are valuable tools used to gather information, clarify meaning, encourage critical thinking, and even start a conversation.
The sentence structure for an interrogative sentence should include a subject as well as a predicate. Then, for ending punctuation you should use a question mark (?).
Examples of interrogative sentences:
Interrogative sentences aren’t the only kind of sentence you’ll come across when writing: there are four kinds of sentences. What differentiates these sentence varieties is what information they are sharing and what sort of punctuation you use to end the sentence.
Interrogative sentences get at the who, what, where, when, how, and why in writing. Then, they can also perform other functions.
For instance, they can be used to assess preferences, get permission, or as a rhetorical device.
The “Wh-” questions and “how” are probably some of the most commonly used interrogative sentences.
The way the question is phrased allows for a different kind of information to be revealed, not only in the open-ended answer but in the question itself:
Interrogative sentences are often used in a way that requires a simple answer: yes or no — or maybe.
Other interrogative sentences require a more open-ended answer relating to preference, asking someone to choose between options.
These interrogative sentences are more like polite requests. They are used to clarify information, including directions and other transactional inquiries.
Rhetorical questions are formatted like a question, however, they are asked without the intent of receiving an answer. They are asked because the answer is either obvious or implied. These interrogative sentences are used to get a point across.
Interrogative sentences can be simple or a bit more intricate and complex. Let’s review the different sentence structures for interrogative sentences and the proper punctuation to accompany them.
To write a simple interrogative sentence you just need to include one independent clause (learn more about independent clauses).
Next, a compound sentence builds on the structure of a simple interrogative sentence. This structure includes two independent clauses (or more) that are connected by the word “or.”
Complex sentences continue to build out ideas with context and description. As a result, a complex interrogative sentence has multiple parts: one independent clause plus one (or more) dependent clause (learn more about dependent clauses).
Then, to write a complex sentence properly you’ll also need a subordinating conjunction (when, while, because, since, etc.) or a relative pronoun (that, which, who etc.) as the connector.
Finally, the fourth most common type of sentence structure for an interrogative sentence is a compound-complex sentence. This merges compound and complex sentence structures.
The proper way to write a compound-complex interrogative sentence is to include: two (or more) independent clauses plus one (or more) dependent clause.
Asking questions goes a long way in communication, and using interrogative sentences does the same in writing.
They should be employed mindfully and tactically, as strings upon strings of questions can detract from writing rather than add to it.
Whether using them to get an answer or just make a point, interrogative sentences allow a writer to shift the tone or transition between ideas. The right questions can also reveal intentions, introduce new ideas, or further critical thinking.
So, the next time you consider using carefully placed interrogative sentences, ask yourself, “Why not?”
Then, review your writing (and interrogative sentences) for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation with the Originality.ai Grammar Checker.
Plus, get more insight into best grammar practices with our top resources:
