If you’ve ever struggled to remember when to use who, what, where, when, why, or how, this Question Words Worksheet is the perfect solution! It’s an engaging way to help students, ESL learners, and teachers understand how to form and answer WH questions in English grammar.
In this guide, you’ll not only find free printable worksheets but also grammar tips, examples, and exercises that make learning fun and effective.
What Are Question Words?
Question words, also called interrogative words, are used to ask for specific information. They’re essential in communication because they help us gather facts, details, and opinions.
In English grammar, there are eight main WH words:
- Who
- What
- When
- Where
- Why
- Which
- Whose
- How
These are commonly introduced through Question Words Worksheets, which guide learners to use them correctly in questions.
Also Read: Tense fill in the blanks
List of Common Question Words
| Question Word | Used For | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Who | A person | Who is your teacher? |
| What | A thing or idea | What is your favorite subject? |
| Where | A place | Where do you live? |
| When | Time | When is your birthday? |
| Why | Reason | Why are you late? |
| Which | Choice | Which book do you like best? |
| Whose | Possession | Whose pen is this? |
| How | Method/Process | How do you study English? |
Teachers can print this question words chart to use in classrooms or English grammar lessons.
Importance of Using WH Questions
Learning how to form WH questions improves:
- Speaking fluency
- Listening comprehension
- Writing clarity
- Reading skills
Students who practice with question words worksheets become more confident in communication. These worksheets are especially useful for ESL students, grade 2–6 learners, and English grammar beginners.
How to Use Each Question Word (with Examples)
Let’s explore each question word and how to use it correctly.
Who
Used to ask about a person.
Example: Who is sitting next to you?
Tip: “Who” replaces the subject or object in the sentence.
What
Used for things, ideas, or actions.
Example: What are you doing?
Tip: It’s one of the most common question words in English grammar.
When
Used for time related questions.
Example: When do you go to school?
Tip: Pair it with present simple or past simple tense for clarity.
Where
Used for locations or directions.
Example: Where is your backpack?
Tip: Perfect for classroom worksheets and daily conversation exercises.
Why
Used to ask for reasons or explanations.
Example: Why are you learning English?
Tip: Encourage students to answer using “Because…”
Which
Used when choosing between options.
Example: Which subject do you like best?
Whose
Used to ask about possession.
Example: Whose jacket is on the chair?
How
Used for methods or descriptions.
Example: How do you make a question word worksheet?
Free Question Words Worksheet
Here’s a sample of what a question words worksheet may include:
A. Fill in the blanks
- _______ is your best friend?
- _______ are you going on vacation?
- _______ color do you like?
- _______ is knocking at the door?
- _______ are you smiling?
B. Match the Questions
Match the question word to its answer type.
| Question Word | Answer Type |
|---|---|
| Who | Person |
| Where | Place |
| When | Time |
| Why | Reason |
| How | Method |
C. Make Your Own Questions
Use the given answers to make your own questions.
- _______? → I live in Paris.
- _______? → My favorite color is blue.
D. Multiple Choice Section (for ESL Practice)
Pick the right question word for each sentence.
Classroom Activities & Exercises
Teachers can make grammar learning fun by using:
- Flashcards with WH words
- Group question games (“Who am I?”, “What’s missing?”)
- Interactive quizzes
- Online worksheets and Google Forms
Read More: How to teach verb tenses
Advanced Question Words Practice
Once students master the basics, they can move to advanced worksheets that include:
- Indirect questions (e.g., “Can you tell me where he lives?”)
- Complex WH questions (e.g., “Which of the following books is yours?”)
- Reported speech exercises
This step by step approach ensures deep learning and long term retention.
Conclusion:
Mastering question words helps students become confident communicators. Whether you’re an ESL teacher, parent, or learner, using a question words worksheet daily improves fluency, comprehension, and writing accuracy.
FAQs About Question Words Worksheet
Q1. What are question words?
They are words used to ask questions for specific information, such as who, what, where, when, why, which, whose, and how.
Q2. Why are WH questions important?
They improve speaking and comprehension skills, especially in ESL and grammar lessons.
Q3. Are question words and interrogatives the same?
Yes, they both refer to the same set of English grammar question forms.
Q4. What grade levels use question words worksheets?
They are commonly used in grade 1 to grade 6, ESL classrooms, and English grammar beginner courses.
