Students with a good level of English are encouraged to communicate through speaking and writing in ways that do not follow conventional patterns. This way, it will enable the speaker or writer to personalise what they would like to say.
Whilst intonation can be used to tender the difference between questions and statements, in English, grammar is the most prominent way to convey the angle of communication.
Question forms generally come into four categories
The general rule for word order is subject (S), verb (V) and object (O). Here we will take a look at how sentences are created not following the ‘SVO’ rule:
verb phrases with are, was, is or am (subject and verb order are reversed)
Was your sister hungry?
Are they sick?
Is this true?
with one or more auxiliary verbs (reversed subject and auxiliary verb)
Could this change?
Has it rained today?
Can it be opened?
single word phrases with introduced ‘dummy’ auxiliary (do, does or did)
Did you break the window?
Does she drink?
Do you speak English?
Contrast with when the question is to get information about the subject (conventional ‘SVO’ is followed)
What happened?
Who made that?
Who broke this?
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We teach English online to individuals and groups of up to four. Classes are at flexible times and can be taken on a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Classes are provided by a CELTA qualified experienced native British teacher from London who is also a qualified UK lawyer. Classes are available for all levels of learning from beginner to advanced and false starters (for students who have studied before but stopped).
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To find out how we can help you, you can book an experimental class where we can evaluate your level and discuss lesson plans.