Prepositions in wh-questions

A Introduction

Daniel and Rachel each ask Vicky a question. In each question, the word what is the object of a preposition (for, about).

What are you looking for?

(You are looking for something.)

What are you worrying about?

(You are worrying about something.)

The preposition normally comes in the same place as in a statement: looking for, worrying about.

not For what are-you looking?

not Abouht what are-you-worrying? But in more formal English, the preposition can come before the question word.

In which warehouse were the goods stored?

or Which warehouse were the goods stored in? In formal English we use a preposition + whom (not who).

From whom did you obtain the information?

or Who did you obtain the information from?

Here are some more examples of prepositions in wh-questions. Who are we waiting for? ~ Rachel. What's Nick laughing at? ~ Oh, one of Tom's jokes. Where are you from?/Where do you come from? ~ Bombay. What kind of holiday are you interested in? ~ A package holiday. Who did you go out with last night? ~ Just a friend.

B What... for and what... like

We can use a question with what... for to ask about purpose.

What did you buy this computer magazine for? ~ To read about business software.

What are these bricks for? ~ We're going to build a wall.

What are they digging the road up for? ~ They're repairing a gas pipe. What... for means the same as why.

Why are they digging up the road? ~ They're repairing a gas pipe.

We can use what ... like to ask if something is good or bad, interesting or boring, etc.

What was the party like? ~ Oh, we had a great time.

What's the place like where you live? ~ It's pretty quiet. Note also look like.

What does your friend look like? ~ She's very tall and blond.

But we use how to ask about someone's well-being.

How are you? ~ I'm OK, thanks. And you?

How are you getting on in your new job? ~ I'm really enjoying it. Compare these two questions.

How's Melanie? ~ Oh, she's fine, thanks. (She is happy/in good health.)

What's Melanie like? ~ She's very nice. (She is a nice person.)

38 Exercises

1 Prepositions in wh-questions (A)

Ask these people questions with what.

Use these verbs and prepositions: look at, look for, point at, talk about, wait for

► What are you looking for ?

1…………………………………………………………3…………………………………………………

2……………………………………………………….4…………………………………………………

2 Prepositions in wh-questions (A)

Put in the question. Use what and put the preposition in brackets at the end. Tom is smiling. He's pleased, (about) Yes, he is. What is he pleased about? I'm busy today. I'm getting ready, (for) What are you getting ready for ? I've done something awful. I'm ashamed, (of)

Haven't you heard of Kitty Beamish? She's famous, (for)

No, I haven't..................................

Mark is annoyed. He's going to complain, (about)

Emma's in a hurry. She's going to be late, (for) I don't feel very relaxed. I feel nervous, (about)

3 What... for and what... like (B)

Trevor has just come home from work. Complete the conversation. Put in for, how, like or what.

Trevor: Hello, my love. (►) How are you?

Laura: Hello. I'm all right, but I'm in a bit of a rush getting ready for the barbecue.

Trevor: Er, I forgot to tell you that I invited two more people.

Laura: (1)……………. are you telling me now (2)……………. ? I've bought all the food. I just hope there's

enough. Anyway, who are these people? (3)............ ……… are they (4)…………. ... ?

Trevor: They're friends of Harriet's. They're very nice people. And after all, (5)…………… are parties

(6)……………. ? To meet new people.

Laura: It isn't a party, it's a barbecue. (7)…………… .. 's the weather going to be (8)………….. ... ?

Trevor: The forecast said it's going to be perfect. Warm and dry.
Laura: Good. And (9)…………….. was your day?

Trevor: Oh, not too bad. Busy as usual.

Date: 2014-12-22; view: 1720