4.21 questions without a verb

In conversation, a 'wh'-question sometimes consists of a 'wh'-word on its own. For example, if you say to someone 'I'm learning to type', they might say 'Why?', meaning 'Why are you learning to type?'.

• 'He saw a snake.' --- 'Where?'
• 'I have to go to Germany.' --- 'When?'
• 'I knew you were landing today.' --- 'How?'

A 'wh'-question can also consist of a noun group containing a 'wh'-word. For example, if you say to someone 'I gave your book to that girl', they might say 'Which girl?', meaning 'Which girl did you give my book to?'.

• 'He knew my cousin.' --- 'Which cousin?'
• 'Who was your friend?' --- 'What friend?'