Christina V.

asked • 03/23/22

English for TESOL

Explain the difference in sentence structure between declarative sentences and questions. What are the simple rule(s) for making the transformation from a declarative sentence to a question? Your explanation should be valid for both “to be” and non-“to be” verbs.

Howard S.

tutor
There are two main differences between declarative sentences and questions. The most obvious difference resides in word order. Most of the time questions begin with verbs. For example, notice the word order in this question: Do the Russians think they can do what they are doing?" The question begins with "Do." A declarative sentence is usually not a question and begins with a subject-verb order, such as The Russians think they can do what they are doing as long as they want to. The sentence begins with a subject and verb. To transform a declarative sentence into a question begin with the verb. Put the verb first followed by the subject. This can occur with both to be and non-to be verbs. Declarative sentence: The days now have more light than a few weeks ago. Question: Do the days now have more than than a few weeks ago. It's the same with to be verbs. He is taller than he was last year. Is he taller than he was last year?
Report

03/24/22

2 Answers By Expert Tutors

By:

Nadia G. answered • 03/24/22

Tutor
4.9 (75)

Caring Tutor: Essay Writing, AE Certified in ESL, French language

See tutors like this
See tutors like this

Hi Christina,


To transform a declarative sentence into a question, the basic rule is to start the question with an auxiliary verb in a conjugated form such as, be (for -be verbs) or do and have (for non-be verbs). You can also start a question with modals such as will, can, and should.


Ex: It is windy. She was supposed to come today.

Is it windy? Was (or wasn't) she supposed to come today?


I understand the text. She had a $10.00 bill.

Do you understand the text? Did she have a $10.00 bill?


They have painted the room in blue. Her mother had sent a package in December.

Have they painted....? Had her mother sent ....?



With modals:

He can come today.

Can he come today?


He should be rewarded.

Should he be rewarded?


They will overcome the worst.

Will they overcome the worst?









Upvote • 0 Downvote
More
Report

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.