1.150 Asking questions: interrogative pronouns

One way of asking questions is by using an interrogative pronoun.

The interrogative pronouns are 'who', 'whose', 'whom', 'what', and 'which'. They can be used as the subject or object of a clause, or as the object of a preposition. Other words, such as 'where', 'when', 'why', and 'how', can also be used to ask questions.

Interrogative pronouns are not used as the indirect object of a clause.

• Who was at the door?
• 'There's a car outside' 'Whose is it?'
• 'A duel, Pa? Whom did he fight?'
• What are you doing?
• Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

For more information about structures in which interrogative pronouns are used, see paragraphs 4.10 to 4.30.

1.151

Interrogative pronouns refer to the information you are asking for.

'Who', 'whose', and 'whom' are used when you think that the answer to the question will be a person.

• 'He lost his wife.' 'Who? Terry?'
• He looked at the cat. 'Whose is it? Have you ever seen it before?'
• 'To whom, if I may ask, are you engaged to be married?' 'To Daniel Orton.'

'Which' and 'what' are used when you think that the answer to the question will be something other than a person.

• 'Is there really a difference? Which do you prefer?'
• 'What did he want?' 'Maurice's address.'