Learn English from A to Z

AUXILIARY VERBS

Questions

We use auxiliary verbs (can, may, must, should, etc.) and to be (am, is, are, was, were) to form questions.

Rule:

• Put the auxiliary verb before the subject.

• If the question starts with a word like where, when, why, how, what, put that word at the beginning.

Examples:

• Statement: She can speak English.
  Question: Can she speak English?

• Statement: They should go home now.
  Question: Should they go home now?

• Statement: He is in Chicago.
  Question: Is he in Chicago?

Statement: You should be here at three o’clock.
Question: What time should you be here?

Exercises

Change the following sentences to questions beginning with the question words in parentheses.

1. She can meet us tomorrow. (When) (When can she meet us?)

2. They are at the airport. (Where)

3. He should study harder. (Why)

4. You must finish this work by 5 p.m. (What time)

5. We may travel to Canada next month. (Where)

6. John is very tall. (How tall)

7. They are playing football in the park. (Where)

8. You should drink more water. (Why)

9. My brother is a teacher. (What kind of job)

10. She can speak English very well. (How well)