What Is an Interrogative Pronoun? Definition, Usage, and Examples

Interrogative pronouns play a vital role in the English language, helping us form questions when the noun or subject of a sentence is unknown. Whether you’re asking about a person, object, or possession, interrogative pronouns like what, who, which, and whose simplify communication by replacing unknown nouns.

In this guide, you’ll learn the definition, usage rules, and examples of interrogative pronouns, along with tips for using them effectively.

Table of Contents

1. What Is an Interrogative Pronoun?

2. Definition of an Interrogative Pronoun

3. List of Interrogative Pronouns

4. Examples of Relative Pronouns in Sentences

5. List of Interrogative Pronouns

6. List of Interrogative Pronouns

7. List of Interrogative Pronouns

8. List of Interrogative Pronouns

10. Practice Exercises

What Is an Interrogative Pronoun?

Interrogative pronouns are a type of pronoun used to ask questions and seek information about unknown people, places, objects, or ideas. They replace the noun in the question and help streamline the sentence.

For example:

• • Who is calling me?
  • What do you want for lunch?

Here, who refers to an unknown person, and what refers to an unknown object or choice.

Definition of an Interrogative Pronoun

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines interrogative pronouns as “pronouns used in questions to replace an unknown noun.” Similarly, the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary explains that interrogative pronouns “are words used to ask about a specific person, thing, or situation, such as ‘who’ or ‘what.’”

List of Interrogative Pronouns

Interrogative pronouns can be categorised into two main forms: simple and compound.

Main Interrogative Pronouns

Compound Interrogative Pronouns

How to Use Interrogative Pronouns

The correct interrogative pronoun depends on the type of noun it replaces and the pronoun’s role in the sentence. Here’s a quick guide:

1. What: Replaces unknown objects or ideas.

• • What do you want for dinner?

2. Which: Refers to a specific choice from known options.

• • Which colour do you prefer: blue or green?

3. Who: Acts as the subject of the sentence to refer to an unknown person.

• • Who is coming to the party?

4. Whom: Functions as the object of the verb or preposition.

• • Whom should I address this letter to?

5. Whose: Denotes possession by an unknown subject.

• • Whose phone is on the table?

Examples of Interrogative Pronouns in Sentences

Singular and Plural Usage

• • What is happening here? (Singular)
  • Which are your favourite books? (Plural)

With Prepositions

• • To whom does this book belong?
  • What are you looking for?

Compound Forms

• • Whatever happens, we will support you.
  • Whichever dress you pick, it will look great.

Questions About Possessions

• • Whose keys are these?

Commonly Confused Interrogative Pronouns

Who vs. Whom

• Who is used as the subject of a sentence
  • Who is responsible for this project?
• Whom is used as the object of a verb or preposition.
  • Whom should I call for assistance?

Whose vs. Who’s

• Whose indicates possession.
  • Whose bike is parked outside?
• Who’s is a contraction for “who is” or “who has.”
  • Who’s coming to the meeting?

What vs. Which

• What is used for general questions about things.
  • What do you need?
• Which is used when choosing from specific options.
  • Which dessert would you like: cake or ice cream?

Fill in the blanks with the correct interrogative pronoun:

1. _________ is knocking at the door?

2. _________ jacket is lying on the chair?

3. You have two options; _________ would you prefer?

4. _________ do you trust the most in your team?

5. The document was sent to _________?

Answers:

1. Who

2. Whose

3. Which

4. Whom

5. Whom

Frequently Asked Questions on Interrogative Pronouns

Q1: What is an interrogative pronoun?

An interrogative pronoun is a word used to ask questions and replace unknown nouns, such as who, what, which, whom, and whose.

Q2: What is the difference between who and whom?

• • Who refers to the subject of a sentence, while whom refers to the object.

Q3: Can interrogative pronouns be plural?

Yes, interrogative pronouns like which and what can refer to both singular and plural nouns:

• • Which is your car? (Singular)
  • Which are your shoes? (Plural)

Q4: What are compound interrogative pronouns?

Compound interrogative pronouns like whoever, whomever, whatever, and whichever add emphasis or highlight broad choices.