An interrogative pronoun is a word used to ask a question by replacing an unknown noun whether it’s a subject, object, or possessive. In simpler terms, we use interrogative pronouns when we want to ask something but don’t yet know the specific person, thing, or idea involved.
For example, if you’ve asked, “Who is there?” or “What is that?”, then you’ve already used interrogative pronouns. These pronouns play a vital role in daily communication by helping us gather information about people, objects, or concepts.
Key Features of Interrogative Pronouns
- Used in Questions: They form the basis of many questions.
- Replace Unknown Nouns: For example, in “What is that on the shelf?”, “what” replaces an unknown object.
- Singular or Plural: They can refer to one or many things, depending on the context.
Common Interrogative Pronouns
| Pronoun | Refers To | Function | Example |
| Who | People | Subject | Who is calling me? |
| Whom | People | Object | Whom did you invite? |
| What | Things/Ideas | Subject/Object | What are you doing? |
| Which | Specific Options | Subject/Object | Which color do you prefer? |
| Whose | Possession | Possessive | Whose book is this? |
Compound Interrogative Pronouns
These are extended forms that offer more flexibility:
- Whoever: Whoever calls me, I’ll answer.
- Whomever: I will give this book to whomever needs it.
- Whatever: Take whatever you like.
- Whichever: Whichever of these shirts fits best is fine.
Note: Use “whomever” as the object of a verb or preposition. (Corrected from original usage.)
Detailed Usage by Type
1. Who vs. Whom
- Who = Subject: Who is knocking? (He is.)
- Whom = Object: To whom did you give the gift? (I gave it to him.)
Quick Test: Replace with “he” or “him.” If “he” fits, use who; if “him,” use whom.
2. What
- Refers to things or ideas.
- Can be subject or object: What happened? / What did you see?
3. Which
- Used for a specific set: Which of these is yours?
4. Whose
- Indicates ownership: Whose shoes are these?
- Can act like an adjective: Whose book is this?
Interrogative Pronouns in Indirect Questions
- Direct: Who is coming to the party?
- Indirect: I wonder who is coming to the party.
Note: Indirect questions don’t use a question mark and follow subject-verb-object structure.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Make sure the verb agrees with the noun the pronoun replaces:
- Singular: Who is calling me?
- Plural: Who are those people?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Correction | Why It Matters |
| Who did you give the gift to? | Whom did you give the gift to? | “Whom” is the object of the preposition. |
| What shirt do you want? (limited set) | Which shirt do you want? | Use “which” for specific options. |
| Who’s vs. Whose | Who’s = who is / who has | Avoid confusing ownership with contractions. |
Advanced Applications
Interrogative Pronouns in Complex Sentences
- I don’t know who called me last night.
- Can you tell me what happened?
Word Order Tips
- Direct Questions: Invert verb and subject: What is your name?
- Indirect Questions: Standard order: She asked what my name was.
Formal Writing
Use “whom” in formal contexts:
- Whom did you speak to? (More formal)
- Who did you speak to? (Informal)
Regional Differences
- British English prefers “whom” in formality.
- American English often defaults to “who” in casual use.
Conclusion
Interrogative pronouns are essential tools for forming questions clearly and correctly. Mastering their use improves both spoken and written communication. With practice, you’ll use them naturally and effectively.
FAQs: What Are Interrogative Pronouns Explanation
Q1: What is an interrogative pronoun?
A word used to ask a question by replacing an unknown noun. Examples: who, whom, what, which, whose.
Q2: What’s the difference between “who” and “whom”?
“Who” is a subject; “whom” is an object. Try the “he/him” test.
Q3: How are interrogative pronouns used in indirect questions?
They follow standard sentence structure and don’t use a question mark: I wonder what happened.
