WH Questions in English — What, Where, When, Who, Why & How

Added: 2026-05-24

[00:00:00][music] >> Hello everyone and welcome back to Tommy English Academy where every conversation helps you learn. I'm Emily. Hello Emily.

[00:00:15]Hello everyone. I'm Tommy. How are you today, Tommy? I am wonderful today. The sun is out, the morning feels beautiful, and honestly, I have a story.

[00:00:26]Oh, a story? Tell me everything. So, last week I went to my favorite coffee shop. Mhm. And I used my introduction from our last lesson with the barista.

[00:00:39]You actually practiced with the barista?

[00:00:41]Yes. I said, "Hello, my name is Tommy.

[00:00:45]I'm originally from Poland." Very nice.

[00:00:48]And she smiled and said, "Oh, really?

[00:00:51]Where in Poland?" She asked you a question back. Exactly. And I answered, "Krakow."

[00:00:58]Then she said she had a friend from Krakow. Ah, and then? We talked for almost 5 minutes in English. Tommy, that is wonderful, honestly. It felt amazing emotionally. A real conversation with a stranger in English. And how did you feel afterward? Like a champion.

[00:01:19]You remembered your practice. Yes. But Emily, there was also a problem. Oh, no.

[00:01:25]What happened? At the end, I wanted to ask her a question. Mhm. I wanted to ask, "Where are you from?" That's a good question. But suddenly, my brain became confused. Confused how?

[00:01:40]In my head, I kept thinking, "Is it where are you from or where you are from?" Ah, yes. Very common problem.

[00:01:49]The words started fighting inside my brain emotionally.

[00:01:53]>> [laughter] >> And then what happened next? Honestly, nothing. I just smiled awkwardly and left.

[00:02:01]>> [laughter] >> So, you realized something. Answering questions feels easier emotionally than asking them. Very true. Asking questions is a completely different skill.

[00:02:13]Exactly. And that is actually our topic today. Yes. Today, we are learning how to ask questions in English naturally.

[00:02:22]WH questions. WH questions.

[00:02:26]Honestly, the name always sounded slightly mysterious to me.

[00:02:31]It simply means questions that begin with words like what, where, when, who, why, and how. Ah, the magic question words. Exactly. I know these words emotionally, but sometimes I still feel nervous using them correctly. That is completely normal. Especially during real conversations. Well, today, we're going to make questions feel simpler, calmer, and more natural. By the end of this lesson emotionally, I want to ask questions confidently. And you will. I am ready emotionally. Perfect. But first, a small message for everyone listening today. If you enjoy our podcast, please click the like button.

[00:03:14]And please subscribe to Tommy English Academy. You can also share this episode with a friend who wants to ask better questions in English. Because honestly, good questions create good conversations. Questions help people connect emotionally. Exactly. Okay, Emily. Let's meet the magic six words.

[00:03:34]Let's do it. Word number one, what. What is for things, objects, and actions.

[00:03:41]Like, what do you eat? Exactly. Or, what is your name? Ah, okay. Word number two, where. Where is for places emotionally.

[00:03:53]Very good. Where do you live? Word number three, when? When is for time.

[00:03:59]When do you start work? Perfect. Word number four, who? Who is for people. Who is she? Excellent. Word number five, why? Why is for reasons. Why are you happy today? Beautiful question.

[00:04:16]And the last one, how? Yes, how is slightly different because it starts with H instead of W. Honestly, how always feels like the rebellious cousin emotionally.

[00:04:29]>> [laughter] >> Maybe a little. But we still keep it with the WH family emotionally. Exactly.

[00:04:35]Okay, let me say all six together. Go ahead. What, where, when, who, why, how.

[00:04:44]Excellent pronunciation. Honestly, they already feel less scary emotionally now.

[00:04:50]Good, because now we build real questions together. Okay, Tommy, now let's learn the first question pattern together. Ah, yes, the formula part emotionally.

[00:05:02]Don't worry. We will go slowly. Thank you emotionally. My brain appreciates that. Pattern number one is very important. I'm listening carefully. The pattern is WH word plus do or does plus the subject plus the verb. Hmm, say that one more time slowly. Of course. Thank you. WH word, then do or does, then the subject, then the verb.

[00:05:35]>> Ah, okay. For example, what do you eat?

[00:05:39]What is the WH word? Correct. Do comes next. Yes. You is the subject. Exactly.

[00:05:48]And eat is the verb. Perfect. You understand the formula already.

[00:05:53]Honestly, formulas feel less scary when you explain them calmly.

[00:05:58]Good. Let's practice another one. Okay.

[00:06:00]Use the word where. Hmm.

[00:06:04]Where do you live? Excellent. Oh, that actually felt natural emotionally.

[00:06:09]Because you are already understanding the pattern. Wait, when do we use does instead of do? Very important question.

[00:06:17]I remember this rule emotionally, but sometimes my brain forgets it during conversations. That happens to many learners. So, remind me again. We use do with I, you, we, and they. Okay. And we use does with he, she, and it. Ah, yes.

[00:06:38]He, she, it emotionally always changes everything.

[00:06:42]Yes. English loves giving extra work to he, she, and it. So, I say, "Where does she live?" Perfect. Not, "Where do she live?" Exactly. Very good correction.

[00:06:56]Hmm. When does he start work? Excellent.

[00:06:59]Why does Max sleep so much?

[00:07:03]>> [laughter] >> Max the dog again. Honestly, he sleeps more than any human emotionally. That sounds like a wonderful life. I ask him questions every day emotionally. He never answers me. Very rude dog behavior, honestly.

[00:07:18]Extremely rude emotionally. Okay. Now, let's practice more together. I'm ready.

[00:07:24]I will give you sentence pieces. You build the full question. Ah, challenge mode emotionally. Exactly.

[00:07:33]First one.

[00:07:34]Where you live. Where do you live? Perfect.

[00:07:39]Easy emotionally. Okay. Next What she eat for breakfast? Hmm. What does she eat for breakfast? Excellent. I remember does. Yes, you did. Very well. My brain is slowly waking up emotionally.

[00:07:58]Good. One more.

[00:08:00]When they wake up? When do they wake up?

[00:08:05]Beautiful. Honestly, this pattern feels clearer now emotionally. Wonderful. Last one.

[00:08:12]Who he work with? Who does he work with?

[00:08:17]Perfect. Who, success emotionally. You are doing really well, honestly. So, let me repeat the rule one more time emotionally. Go ahead. Do for I, you, we, they. Correct. Does for he, she, it.

[00:08:33]Perfect. I think this rule finally entered my brain emotionally. Excellent.

[00:08:39]Okay. Now, what about pattern number two? Pattern number two is actually simpler. Simpler emotionally? I already love it.

[00:08:47]>> [laughter] >> This pattern uses is or are. Ah, no do or does? Exactly. Interesting emotionally. We use this pattern when the answer uses the verb to be. Give me an example. What is your name? Ah, not what do your name.

[00:09:07]Definitely not. English would cry emotionally if I said that.

[00:09:12]>> [laughter] >> Slightly, yes. Okay. What is your name?

[00:09:15]Perfect. Another one. Where is the station? Hmm, okay. How is your day? Ah, because the answer uses is. Exactly. Let me try one emotionally. Go ahead. Why are you happy today? Beautiful question.

[00:09:33]What is your favorite food? Excellent.

[00:09:36]Very natural English. Two patterns emotionally suddenly feel manageable now. Good, because these two patterns cover most daily English questions.

[00:09:46]Honestly, that makes English feel less overwhelming emotionally. It should feel manageable little by little. So now we have six magic words and two formulas emotionally. Exactly. I feel more confident already. Wonderful, because now we're moving into real-life questions. Ah, practical English emotionally. Exactly, the kind of questions you will use every single day.

[00:10:13]I call these the six must-know questions.

[00:10:18]Six must-know questions emotionally?

[00:10:22]Yes, questions you can use almost every day in real conversations.

[00:10:27]I want all six immediately.

[00:10:31]>> [laughter] >> Good enthusiasm.

[00:10:33]Thank you emotionally. Question number one. What do you do? Ah, yes, very common question. Extremely common. But wait, what do you do does not mean what are you doing right now. Excellent observation.

[00:10:52]It means what is your job emotionally.

[00:10:55]Exactly.

[00:10:57]Ah, English really likes hidden meaning sometimes.

[00:11:01]>> [laughter] >> Sometimes, yes.

[00:11:04]So if someone asks, "What do you do?"

[00:11:06]You answer with your job or profession.

[00:11:09]I am a teacher. Perfect. I am a designer. Excellent.

[00:11:15]Okay, Emily, what do you do?

[00:11:18]I am an English teacher. See, it works perfectly emotionally. Exactly.

[00:11:24]All right, what is question number two?

[00:11:27]Where are you from?

[00:11:29]Ah, yes, my coffee shop survival question emotionally.

[00:11:34]Exactly.

[00:11:36]I'm originally from Poland. Perfect answer.

[00:11:40]Okay, question number three. How are you? The classic question emotionally.

[00:11:46]Everyone knows this one. Yes, but many learners stop too quickly.

[00:11:51]You mean with I'm fine, thank you?

[00:11:54]Exactly.

[00:11:56]Ah, too short emotionally. Sometimes.

[00:12:00]A better answer keeps the conversation moving naturally. Like what? I'm good, and you? Ah, simple but friendly emotionally. Exactly.

[00:12:12]Two extra words can continue the conversation emotionally. Very true.

[00:12:17]I'm good, and you? Perfect. Okay, question number four. What time is it?

[00:12:24]Very useful with strangers emotionally.

[00:12:27]Exactly. Excuse me, what time is it?

[00:12:30]Sounds polite emotionally. Very polite and very natural.

[00:12:35]Okay, question number five. Where do you live? Good for getting to know someone emotionally. Exactly. And question number six. What do you like?

[00:12:47]Ah, simple but powerful emotionally.

[00:12:50]Very powerful. It opens conversations naturally.

[00:12:54]What do you like can lead to hobbies, movies, music, food? Exactly. Endless conversation possibilities.

[00:13:03]Honestly, these questions feel extremely useful emotionally. Because they are real daily English.

[00:13:10]Okay, Emily. Can we practice all six together?

[00:13:13]Of course. Ask me the six questions one by one.

[00:13:18]Ah, interview time emotionally.

[00:13:21]Yes.

[00:13:22]Okay, first question. What do you do, Emily? I am an English teacher. Question two, where are you from? I'm originally from Poland. Question three, how are you today? I'm wonderful today. Thank you for asking. Question four, what time is it?

[00:13:43]It is the perfect time to learn English.

[00:13:46]Emily, that is not a real answer.

[00:13:49]>> [laughter] >> Okay, okay. It's around 10:00 in the morning. Much better emotionally. Thank you emotionally, Teacher Toby.

[00:13:59]You're welcome. Continue the interview.

[00:14:02]Question five, where do you live? I live in a small cozy apartment in the city.

[00:14:09]Ah, that sounds peaceful emotionally. It really is. And final question, what do you like? I like teaching, reading, and drinking tea in the morning. Ah, honestly, now I feel like I know you better emotionally. That is exactly why questions matter. Questions create connection emotionally. Very true. And honestly, I asked all six questions correctly. You did wonderfully. The formulas actually work emotionally. Yes, they do. Okay, what happens next? One final challenge. Ah, I knew there would be a challenge emotionally.

[00:14:52]>> [laughter] >> Of course.

[00:14:54]>> [gasps] >> All right, I'm ready. We are going to do a mini interview. Like a journalist emotionally. Exactly. You are now Toby the journalist. Toby the journalist sounds important emotionally. Very important. Okay, first question. What is your favorite thing about teaching? My favorite thing is watching students understand something for the first time.

[00:15:21]Ah, the oh moment emotionally. Exactly.

[00:15:26]Their eyes become bigger and suddenly everything makes sense. Honestly, that sounds beautiful emotionally. It really is. Okay, second question. Where do you go when you need to relax? I usually go for a quiet walk. No music, no phone, just fresh air and silence. That sounds very peaceful emotionally. It helps me think clearly and breathe slowly. Third question.

[00:15:56]When did you start teaching English? I started about 8 years ago. I was nervous at first, but I loved it immediately.

[00:16:04]Wait, when did you start? Good ear. That uses did instead of do. Exactly. Because this question is about the past. Ah, present uses do, past uses did. Perfect understanding. Honestly, I feel like my brain is making connections emotionally now. That is how real learning feels.

[00:16:29]Exactly. That is how real learning feels, little by little. Honestly, that feels encouraging emotionally. Good.

[00:16:40]Continue the interview, journalist Tommy.

[00:16:43]>> [laughter] >> Right. Fourth question.

[00:16:46]Who is your best friend? My best friend is someone I met at university many years ago. Do you still see each other often?

[00:16:56]Not very often anymore because we live in different cities now. Ah, that happens emotionally sometimes. Yes, but we still talk every week.

[00:17:08]Good friendships survive distance emotionally. Very true.

[00:17:13]Okay, fifth question. Why do you love English? Because English opens doors emotionally. Doors? Yes, English helps you connect with people from all over the world. Ah, connection emotionally, again. Exactly.

[00:17:33]English helps people travel, work, learn, and communicate emotionally. Yes, movies, books, songs, conversations.

[00:17:44]English gives access to so many experiences.

[00:17:49]Honestly, that is one reason I love learning English, too. Really? Yes, I want to travel more confidently emotionally and speak naturally with people. That is a wonderful reason.

[00:18:03]Okay, sixth and final question. I'm ready.

[00:18:07]How do you stay so calm all the time?

[00:18:11]>> [laughter] [gasps] >> That is a very kind question, honestly.

[00:18:16]I'm serious emotionally, you always sound calm. Hmm, I think I remind myself that everyone is learning. Everyone is trying their best. That sounds very peaceful emotionally. Learning takes time, patience, and kindness toward yourself.

[00:18:36]Honestly, many learners forget to be kind to themselves emotionally. Very true.

[00:18:42]People become angry at themselves emotionally after small mistakes. But mistakes are part of communication and learning, naturally. I think English becomes easier emotionally when people stop being afraid of mistakes. Exactly.

[00:18:59]Fear makes conversations harder.

[00:19:01]Calmness helps confidence grow, naturally. Emily, now I understand why your students probably feel comfortable emotionally.

[00:19:11]Thank you, Tommy. That means a lot, honestly.

[00:19:14]Okay. Now, it is your turn to ask me questions emotionally. Wonderful. First question. What is one thing you want to learn this year?

[00:19:25]Um honestly, I want to speak English naturally without translating everything in my head. Ah, smooth and natural conversation emotionally. Exactly. No more frozen coffee shop moments emotionally.

[00:19:40]>> [laughter] >> Very good goal.

[00:19:44]Okay. Next question? Okay. Why do you love learning English?

[00:19:50]Because English gives me freedom emotionally. Freedom how?

[00:19:55]Freedom to travel, freedom to communicate, freedom to connect with new people. That is a beautiful answer, honestly. Sometimes emotionally, I imagine visiting another country and speaking comfortably with strangers.

[00:20:10]And one day, you absolutely will.

[00:20:14]I hope so emotionally. No, no, not I hope. Keep practicing and it will happen. Okay. Confident Emily emotionally. Very confident. Honestly, I already feel more comfortable asking questions now.

[00:20:30]Good, because questions are one of the most powerful tools in conversation.

[00:20:36]Questions keep conversations alive emotionally. Exactly. A good question invites another person into the conversation.

[00:20:46]Ah, conversations are like throwing a ball emotionally.

[00:20:51]That is actually an excellent comparison.

[00:20:54]You ask a question emotionally, the other person answers, then throws the conversation back to you. Exactly.

[00:21:02]Questions create movement naturally in conversations.

[00:21:06]Honestly, before today, I thought questions were mostly grammar, emotionally. But now?

[00:21:12]Now, I think questions are connection, emotionally.

[00:21:17]Beautifully said.

[00:21:18]Thank you, emotionally.

[00:21:20]Okay, now let's review everything we learned today together.

[00:21:24]Ah, yes, review time, emotionally.

[00:21:27]First, the six magic words.

[00:21:30]What for things and actions?

[00:21:33]Where for places? When for time?

[00:21:37]Who for people?

[00:21:39]Why for reasons? And how for methods, feelings, and situations? Six magic words, emotionally. Exactly.

[00:21:49]Okay, now the two formulas.

[00:21:52]Formula number one: wh word plus do or does plus subject plus verb. Where do you live?

[00:22:02]What does she eat?

[00:22:04]When do they wake up?

[00:22:06]Perfect. And formula number two, emotionally?

[00:22:10]Wh word plus is or are plus noun or adjective.

[00:22:16]What is your name?

[00:22:18]What is your day?

[00:22:20]Why are you happy?

[00:22:21]Excellent.

[00:22:23]And the bonus rule, emotionally.

[00:22:25]Ah, yes, did for past tense questions.

[00:22:30]When did you start? Exactly.

[00:22:33]Honestly, today's lesson made questions feel much simpler, emotionally. I'm very happy to hear that. Before this lesson, emotionally, questions felt stressful sometimes.

[00:22:44]And now?

[00:22:46]Now, they feel more natural and more useful, emotionally.

[00:22:50]Wonderful, because questions are not only grammar.

[00:22:54]They are connection, emotionally.

[00:22:57]Exactly. When you ask someone a question, you show interest and kindness. You say, "I want to know you emotionally." Very beautifully said.

[00:23:08]Thank you emotionally. Okay, everyone.

[00:23:11]That is all the time we have for today.

[00:23:14]Thank you so much for spending this peaceful time with us here at Tom English Academy. We truly hope today's lesson helped you feel more confident asking questions in English naturally.

[00:23:26]Please subscribe to Tom English Academy if you enjoyed today's conversation. And give this episode a like. Your support honestly helps us so much. You can also share this lesson with a friend who is learning English. And before we go, we have one question for you today.

[00:23:45]What is one question you want to ask in English?

[00:23:48]Write your question in the comments below using one of our six magic words.

[00:23:54]What, where, when, who, why, or how? We would truly love to read your answers.

[00:24:02]We really would. See you next time, everyone. Bye, everyone.