Interrogative Adjectives

What Are Interrogative Adjectives?#

Interrogative adjectives are words used to ask questions about specific qualities or characteristics of nouns. As a crucial part of speech, they help form more precise and targeted questions. In English, the main interrogative adjectives are “which,” “what,” and “whose.” These adjectives allow speakers to gather specific information about people, objects, or concepts.

Types of Interrogative Adjectives#

Which#

“Which” is used when asking about a choice between a limited number of options. It’s important to note that while “which” can function as both an interrogative adjective and pronoun, its role as an adjective is distinct.

Example:

• Which color do you prefer, red or blue?
• Which book are you reading now?

What#

“What” is used to ask about the nature or type of something when there are many possible answers. Unlike descriptive adjectives that provide information, “what” as an interrogative adjective seeks information.

Example:

• What flavor of ice cream do you like best?
• What time does the movie start?

Whose#

“Whose” is used to ask about possession or ownership. It’s similar to possessive adjectives but is used in question form.

Example:

• Whose car is parked in the driveway?
• Whose idea was it to have a surprise party?

Interrogative Adjectives vs. Pronouns#

Understanding the difference between interrogative adjectives and interrogative pronouns is crucial. While they both are used to ask questions, they function differently in sentences.

Key Differences#

1. Function in a sentence:

   • Interrogative Adjectives: Modify nouns in questions.
   • Interrogative Pronouns: Replace nouns in questions.

2. Followed by:

   • Interrogative Adjectives: Always followed by a noun.
   • Interrogative Pronouns: Stand alone (not followed by a noun).

3. Words used:

   • Interrogative Adjectives: “which,” “what,” “whose”
   • Interrogative Pronouns: “who,” “whom,” “which,” “what,” “whose”

Examples#

Let’s compare the usage of “which,” “what,” and “whose” as both adjectives and pronouns:

1. Which:

   • As an adjective: “Which book do you prefer?” (modifies “book”)
   • As a pronoun: “I have two books. Which do you prefer?” (replaces the noun “book”)

2. What:

   • As an adjective: “What color is your car?” (modifies “color”)
   • As a pronoun: “We’re discussing colors. What is your favorite?” (replaces the noun “color”)

3. Whose:

   • As an adjective: “Whose jacket is this?” (modifies “jacket”)
   • As a pronoun: “I found a jacket. Whose is this?” (replaces the noun “jacket”)

Common Mistakes#

1. Confusing “which” and “what”:

   “Which” is typically used when there’s a limited choice, while “what” is used for more open-ended questions.

   • “Which flavor would you like, vanilla or chocolate?” (adjective with limited options)
   • “What flavor would you like?” (adjective with open-ended options)

2. Using “whose” instead of “who’s” (who is):

   “Who’s” is not an interrogative adjective but a contraction of “who is.” It’s often confused with the relative pronoun “whose.”

   • Incorrect: Whose going to the party?
   • Correct: Who’s going to the party?

Key Takeaways#

• Interrogative adjectives (which, what, whose) are used to ask specific questions about nouns.
• “Which” is used for limited choices, “what” for open-ended options, and “whose” for possession.
• Always place interrogative adjectives before the nouns they modify.
• Be mindful of common mistakes, such as confusing “which” and “what” or misusing “whose.”

FAQs#

Related Topics#

For a deeper understanding of English grammar and related concepts, check out these articles:

• Types of Adjectives
• Types of Pronouns
• English Tenses