Subject and object questions are two types of interrogative sentences used to inquire about different elements in a sentence. Understanding when to use subject or object questions is crucial for effective communication in English.
In this grammar lesson, we’ll explore subject and object questions, their structures, and examples.
Subject questions:
Structure:
Subject questions inquire about the subject of the sentence.
Begin with a question word (who, what, which), followed by a verb and the rest of the sentence.
Examples:
Who plays the guitar in the band?
What caused the noise last night?
Which book did you read?
Who is coming to the party?
Common question words for subjects:
Who: Asking about a person.
What: Inquiring about a thing or action.
Which: Selecting from a specific set of options.
Object questions:
Structure:
Object questions inquire about the direct or indirect object of the sentence.
Begin with a question word (whom, what, which), followed by a verb, the subject, and the rest of the sentence.
Examples:
Whom did you see at the concert?
What are you looking for in the kitchen?
Which movie did they watch last night?
Whom did you invite to the event?
Common question words for objects:
Whom: Asking about the object of an action involving a person.
What: Inquiring about the object of an action involving a thing.
Which: Selecting from a specific set of options.
Using subject and object questions:
Subject questions:
Used when the question focuses on the subject of the sentence.
Example:
Who will lead the meeting?
Object questions:
Used when the question focuses on the object (direct or indirect) of the sentence.
Example:
Whom did they choose as the captain?
Common mistakes to avoid:
Misplacing question words:
Incorrect: Did you see what at the store?
Correct: What did you see at the store?
Confusing “Who” and “Whom”:
Incorrect: Who did you invite to the event?
Correct: Whom did you invite to the event?
Subject and object questions allow us to inquire about different elements of a sentence, enhancing our ability to gather information and communicate effectively. By understanding when to use each type of question, you can ask more precise and relevant queries. Keep practicing, and soon, forming subject and object questions will become second nature. Happy learning!
