Question Formation in the Six (6 ) Essential Verb Tenses

Here are the patterns for asking questions in the essential verb tenses in English.

Let's say there are a million verbs in English. Now let's divide those verbs into three (3) groups: TO BE, MODALS, and ALL THE OTHER GUYS.

In the TO BE category, we have the verb "to be" and all of its forms.

In the MODAL category, we have the modal verbs: should, shall, may, might, must, will, would, can, and could

And in the ALL THE OTHER GUYS category, we have all the other verbs in English.

verb = (infinitive) minus "to"

Let W/H =

https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/wh-question-words.htm

where

who

why

what

when

what time

what sweater

etcetera

how

how long

how many

how much

etcetera

Simple Future (This is the same pattern for all modals, too!)

TO BE

[W/H] + will + SUBJECT + be [+ blah blah blah]?

Where will Valentin be at 8AM on Tuesday?

Will you be asleep at midnight tonight?

ALL THE OTHER GUYS

[W/H] + will + SUBJECT + verb [+ blah blah blah]?

When will I buy a house in Michoacan?

Will Alma move to Jalisco?

This pattern works for all modals, not simply "will". The modal verbs are: will, would, can, could, should, shall, may, might, and must.

Should I live in Michoacan, Jalisco, Guanajuato or Queretaro?

How many seconds can you hold your breath?

Simple Present

TO BE

[W/H] + is/am/are + SUBJECT [+ blah blah blah]?

I am Nia.

Why is your name Carlos Eduardo?

ALL THE OTHER GUYS

[W/H] + do/does + SUBJECT + verb [+ blah blah blah]?

What time do most people wake up in the morning?

Does Richard [still] have a Nia saladsonce a week?

Simple Past

TO BE

[W/H] + was/were + SUBJECT [+ blah blah blah]?

Were you busy before class?

How was your trip to Moroleon?

ALL THE OTHER GUYS

[W/H] + did + SUBJECT + verb [+ blah blah blah]?

How much time did you need to finish your grocery shopping this past weekend?

Did you travel to the USA this year?

Present Perfect

TO BE

[W/H] + have/had + SUBJECT + been + blah blah blah]?

How have Linda and Luca been since the last time you saw them?

Has it rained in the northern regions of Jalisco this month?

ALL THE OTHER GUYS

W/H] + have/had + SUBJECT + past participle verb + blah blah blah]?

How long have you taught English?

Have you and your family [ever] eaten escargots?

Present progressive

TO BE

[W/H] + is/am/are + SUBJECT + be + ing [+ blah blah blah]?

Why are you being so quiet?

ALL THE OTHER GUYS

[W/H] + is/am/are + SUBJECT + verb [+ blah blah blah]?

Are you exercising your neck because you slept in a bad position last night.

Why are the pigs next door making some much noise?

Past progressive

TO BE

[W/H] + was/were + SUBJECT + being [+ blah blah blah]?

Why are they being mean?

Is she being considerate?

ALL THE OTHER GUYS

[W/H] + was/were + SUBJECT + verb+ ing [+ blah blah blah]?

Why was Limon sleeping near you during our class?

Was Lucky eating his breakfast during out class?