Wh-Questions as Objects

1. Understanding Wh- Questions as Objects

Wh- questions allow us to ask for specific information. When the wh- word acts as the object of the sentence, it receives the action of the verb rather than performing it. This is different from subject questions where the wh- word is the doer of the action.

For example, in the question “Who did you see?”, the wh- word who is the object of the verb “see” (you saw someone). Similarly, in “What did he want?”, what is the object of “wanted” (he wanted something).

2. Structure of Wh- Questions as Objects

The basic structure for forming a wh- question as an object is as follows:

Wh-word + Auxiliary Verb (do/does/did) + Subject + Base Verb + (Complement)?

Notice that the wh- word replaces the object in the sentence. The auxiliary verb helps form the question and agrees with the subject in number and tense.

Examples:

• 👀 Who did you see? (Object: Who = the person you saw)
• ❓ What did he want? (Object: What = the thing he wanted)
• 📞 Whom did you call? (Object: Whom = the person you called)
• 🏠 Where did they live? (Object: Where = the place where they lived)
• 🕒 When did she arrive? (Object: When = the time of arrival)
• 🤔 Why did you ask him? (Object: Why = the reason for asking)
• 💡 How did you fix it? (Object: How = the manner in which it was fixed)
• 📚 What did you learn? (Object: What = the information learned)
• 📝 Whom did they invite? (Object: Whom = the person invited)
• 💬 What did she say? (Object: What = the message she conveyed)

3. Common Wh- Question Words Used as Objects

Here are the most common wh- words used as objects in questions:

• Who/Whom: Used to ask about people.
• What: Used to ask about things or ideas.
• Which: Used to choose between options.
• Where: Used to ask about places.
• When: Used to ask about time.
• Why: Used to ask for reasons.
• How: Sometimes used when asking about methods or manners.

4. Detailed Examples and Usages

A. Asking About People

When the wh- word is used as the object to ask about a person, “who” or “whom” is employed.

Examples:

1. 👤 Who did you meet at the party?
2. 📞 Whom did you call yesterday?
3. 🎓 Who did she admire in her class?
4. 👥 Whom did they invite to the meeting?
5. 📝 Who did you see in the library?
6. 🎤 Whom did he interview for his podcast?
7. 👂 Who did you hear speaking outside?
8. 📚 Whom did the teacher choose as the class representative?
9. 🕵️ Who did the detective question?
10. 🚶 Whom did you notice at the park?

B. Asking About Things

Use “what” to ask about objects, ideas, or information when the wh- word is the object.

Examples:

1. 📖 What did you read yesterday?
2. 🍕 What did he order for dinner?
3. 💡 What did she say during the meeting?
4. 📺 What did you watch on TV last night?
5. 🛍️ What did they buy at the store?
6. 🎨 What did you paint in art class?
7. 💬 What did he write in his letter?
8. 🍲 What did she cook for lunch?
9. 📷 What did you capture with your camera?
10. 🎁 What did they give you as a gift?

C. Asking About Places

Use “where” to inquire about the location of people, objects, or events.

Examples:

1. 🏫 Where did you go after school?
2. 🏠 Where did they live before moving here?
3. 📍 Where did she find that restaurant?
4. 🛣️ Where did he park his car?
5. 🌆 Where did you see that famous landmark?
6. 🏖️ Where did they spend their vacation?
7. 🚉 Where did you catch the train?
8. 🛒 Where did she shop for groceries?
9. 🎡 Where did you go for the festival?
10. 🏛️ Where did they hold the ceremony?

D. Asking About Time

Use “when” to ask about time-related information.

Examples:

1. ⏰ When did you wake up today?
2. 📅 When did the meeting start?
3. 🎥 When did the movie begin?
4. 🚌 When did the bus leave?
5. ✈️ When did they take off?
6. 📚 When did she finish her homework?
7. 🍽️ When did you have dinner?
8. 📞 When did he call you?
9. 🚶 When did you arrive at the park?
10. 🕒 When did the class start?

E. Asking About Reasons

Use “why” to find out the reason or purpose behind an action.

Examples:

1. ❓ Why did you choose that book?
2. 🤔 Why did she leave early?
3. 📞 Why did he call you?
4. 💬 Why did they cancel the meeting?
5. 🍽️ Why did you order pizza?
6. 🎉 Why did they celebrate at that restaurant?
7. 🏠 Why did she move to that city?
8. 🚗 Why did he drive so fast?
9. 📚 Why did you study that subject?
10. 🎨 Why did she choose painting as a hobby?

F. Asking About Methods

Use “how” to inquire about the manner or process of an action.

Examples:

1. 💡 How did you solve the problem?
2. 🎤 How did she perform so well?
3. 📚 How did they learn the new language?
4. 🍳 How did he cook that meal?
5. 🎬 How did you make that movie?
6. 📝 How did she write the report?
7. 🏃 How did you run the marathon?
8. 🔧 How did they fix the car?
9. 🚴 How did he ride so fast?
10. 💬 How did you learn to speak English so fluently?