Types of Interrogative SentencesYesNo Questions Preguntas de sí o no
These questions seek a simple affirmative sí or negative no response
Structure Verb subject
Example ¿Estás listo Are you ready
Explanation The verb estás are precedes the subject tú you indicating a yesno question
Information Questions Preguntas de información
These questions ask for specific details such as who what where when why and how
Structure Interrogative word verb subject
Example ¿Dónde vives Where do you live
Explanation The question starts with dónde where followed by the verb vives do you live and the subject tú you
Alternative Questions Preguntas de opción
These questions present options or alternatives
Structure ¿Option 1 o Option 2
Example ¿Quieres café o té Do you want coffee or tea
Explanation The question offers a choice between café coffee and té tea
Tag Questions Preguntas confirmativas
Added at the end of a statement to seek confirmation or agreement
Structure Statement ¿no ¿verdad ¿cierto ¿no es así etc
ExampleTienes hambre ¿verdad Youre hungry right
Explanation The statement tienes hambre youre hungry is followed by the tag question ¿verdad right seeking confirmation
Rhetorical Questions Preguntas retóricas
Asked to make a point or emphasize a statement
Structure Similar to information questions but used rhetorically
Example ¿Quién puede resistirse a un buen chocolate Who can resist a good chocolate
Explanation The question implies that no one can resist chocolate emphasizing its appeal
Structure of Interrogative Sentences
Inversion of Verb and Subject
Yesno questions or information questions with present or preterite tense verbs place the verb before the subject
Example ¿Trabajas tú aquí Do you work here
Explanation The verb trabajas work precedes the subject tú you indicating a question
Use of Interrogative Words
Words like qué quién cuándo dónde cómo cuánto etc introduce specific information questions
Example ¿Cuándo llegaste When did you arrive
Explanation Cuándo when introduces the question about arrival time
Intonation
Rising intonation marks questions in spoken Spanish distinguishing them from statements which have falling intonation
Usage of Interrogative Sentences
Daily Conversations
Used to ask about wellbeing plans preferences and opinions
Example ¿Cómo estás How are you
Explanation This question asks about someones current state or feelings
Information Gathering
Essential for gathering details conducting interviews and clarifying information
Example ¿Cuál es su experiencia laboral What is your work experience
Explanation This question seeks specific information about professional background
Formal Settings
In formal writing and speeches to engage the audience provoke thought and emphasize points
Example ¿Qué medidas tomará el gobierno para mejorar la educación What measures will the government take to improve education
Explanation This question prompts discussion about government actions
Expressing Curiosity
Questions express curiosity and interest encouraging dialogue and deeper understanding
Example ¿Por qué eligieron ese destino para las vacaciones Why did you choose that destination for vacation
Explanation This question seeks reasons for a vacation choice
Variations in Interrogative Sentences
Indirect Questions
Questions embedded within statements indirectly asking
Example No sé cuándo llegará I dont know when he will arrive
Explanation The statement indirectly asks about arrival time
Politeness and Tone
Politeness markers like por favor please or podría could soften requests
Example ¿Podría ayudarme con esto por favor Could you help me with this please
Explanation This question politely requests assistance
