WH Questions (In the Past)
Elementary (A2)en
Wh- questions in the past
Wh-Questions in the Past
In this lesson, you will learn how to ask information questions about the past using Wh-words.
1. What Are Wh-Questions?
Wh-questions ask for specific information, not just yes or no.
Common Wh-words:
- what
- where
- when
- why
- who
- how
2. Basic Structure of Wh-Questions in the Past
Most Wh-questions in the past use did.
Structure
Wh-word + did + subject + base verb?
Examples
- What did you eat yesterday?
- Where did she go last night?
- When did they arrive?
- Why did he leave early?
3. Important Rule About the Verb
After did, the verb is always in the base form. We use base form because did already shows past tense.
✗ What did you ate?
✓ What did you eat?
✗ Where did she went?
✓ Where did she go?
4. Wh-Questions with BE in the Past
When the verb is was / were, do not use did.
Structure
Wh-word + was / were + subject?
Examples
- Where were you yesterday?
- Why was she angry?
- Who was at the party?
5. Wh-Questions Where the Wh-Word Is the Subject
When the Wh-word is the subject, we do not use did.
Examples
- Who called you last night?
- What happened after the meeting?
- Who broke the window?
(The Wh-word replaces the subject.)
6. Comparing Two Similar Questions
6. Comparing Two Similar Questions
- “Who did you call?” → You are asking about the object (the person you called).
- “Who called you?” → You are asking about the subject (the person who did the action).
(The structure changes because the subject changes.)
7. Easy Way to Remember
7. Easy Way to Remember
- Most past questions: Wh-word + did + base verb
- With was/were: Wh-word + was/were + subject
- Do not use did when the Wh-word is the subject
Practice Exercises
Test your knowledge with interactive fill-in-the-blank exercises
Wh- questions in the past
A2Ready to practice Wh- questions in the past? Take these exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Multiple interactive exercises available
Related Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with words related to this grammar topic
Wh- questions in the past
A2Wh- words
7 wordswhy
adverb
Used to ask for a reason or explanation.
Why did you choose that book?
which
what
pronoun
Used to ask for information about something.
What is your name?
where
when
adverb
At what time; at or during the time that.
When will you arrive?
who
pronoun
Used to refer to a person or people that are already mentioned or known.
Who is coming to the party tonight?
how
adverb
In what way or manner; by what means.
How do you solve this problem?