Question Words Poster
?
Grammar & Inquiry Anchor Chart
Mastering Question Words
Use the right clue word to ask clear questions and unlock new knowledge!
ASK & FIND Every question ends with ?
1
The Core Six (The 5 Ws + H)
The foundational building blocks for every inquiry
WHO Person
Asks about a person, identity, or character.
Example
"Who discovered electricity?"
WHAT Thing / Action
Asks for specific facts, objects, or actions.
Example
"What happens during rain?"
WHERE Place
Asks about a place, position, or location.
Example
"Where do emperor penguins live?"
WHEN Time
Asks about time, dates, moments, or periods.
Example
"When does the solar eclipse start?"
WHY Reason
Asks for explanations, reasons, or causes.
Example
"Why do autumn leaves turn red?"
HOW Manner / Way
Asks about method, condition, or process.
Example
"How does a submarine dive down?"
2
Expanded Set: Specific Inquiry
Choice, possession, and formal references
WHICH Choice
Asks to select among a limited group of known choices.
Example
"Which route is the shortest?"
WHOSE Ownership
Asks who owns or possesses an object or trait.
Example
"Whose notebook was left here?"
WHOM Object Form
Receives the action or follows a preposition (formal).
Example
"To whom was the award given?"
3
Expanded Set: "How" Combinations
Pairing "how" with adjectives to measure and quantify
HOW MANY Countable Nouns
Numbers you can count individually.
"How many stars are in our galaxy?"
HOW MUCH Uncountable & Cost
Volume, weight, amount, or price.
"How much water does an oak tree drink?"
HOW OFTEN Frequency & Routine
Repetition, routines, and intervals.
"How often does Halley's Comet appear?"
HOW LONG / FAR Distance & Time
Physical length, distance, or duration.
"How long does light take from the Sun?"
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Inquiry Pro Tip
Who vs. Whom: If the answer is he/she/they, use Who. If the answer is him/her/them, use Whom!
Golden Rule Punctuate with ?
