The placement of the “to be” verb (am, is, are, was, were) in relation to question words (who, what, where, when, why, how, which, whose) depends on whether the question is direct or indirect, and whether the question word is part of a larger phrase.
1. When to Put “To Be” Immediately After the Question Word
In Direct Questions, we use a process called inversion. This means the verb comes before the subject. When “to be” is the main verb or the auxiliary verb, it typically follows the question word directly.
A. When “To Be” is the Main Verb
If you are asking about a state, identity, or location where “to be” is the only verb, it follows the question word.
| Question Word | “To Be” Verb | Subject | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | is | the library? | Where is the library? |
| Who | are | those people? | Who are those people? |
| Why | was | he late? | Why was he late? |
| What | is | your name? | What is your name? |
B. When “To Be” is an Auxiliary Verb
In the Present Continuous or Past Continuous tenses, “to be” acts as a helping verb. It still follows the question word.
- What are you doing?
- Where was she going?
- Who is calling you?
2. When NOT to Put “To Be” Immediately After the Question Word
There are three primary scenarios where the “to be” verb does not follow the question word immediately.
A. Indirect (Embedded) Questions
This is the most common mistake for English learners. When a question is “hidden” inside another sentence or follows a polite opening, we use statement word order (Subject + Verb). We do not use inversion.
| Direct Question (Inversion) | Indirect Question (Statement Order) |
|---|---|
| Where is he? | Do you know where he is? |
| What is the time? | Could you tell me what the time is? |
| Why were they angry? | I wonder why they were angry. |
| Who is that man? | I don’t know who that man is. |
Rule of Thumb: If the sentence starts with “Do you know…”, “I wonder…”, or “Tell me…”, the “to be” verb usually moves to the end of the clause.
B. Question Word + Noun/Adjective Phrases
Sometimes the question word is part of a larger phrase. In these cases, the “to be” verb follows the entire phrase, not just the question word.
- How old is your brother? (Not: How is old…)
- Which book is yours? (Not: Which is book…)
- What color was the car?
- Whose bag are these?
C. Subject Questions (with specific emphasis)
In most subject questions with “to be,” the verb still follows the question word (e.g., “Who is the boss?”). However, if you are using “to be” as an auxiliary in a complex sentence where the question word is the subject, the order remains Subject + Verb.
- Who is coming to the party? (“Who” is the subject, “is” follows it).
- What is happening?
3. Summary Table: Direct vs. Indirect
| Scenario | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Question | Question Word + Be + Subject | Why is it cold? |
| Indirect Question | Phrase + Question Word + Subject + Be | I don’t know why it is cold. |
| Noun Phrase | [Q-Word + Noun] + Be + Subject | What time is the meeting? |
| Adjective Phrase | [Q-Word + Adj] + Be + Subject | How far is the station? |
4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Correct: How cold is the water?
The “Do” Confusion: Never use “do/does/did” with the “to be” verb in a question.
Incorrect: Where does he be?
Correct: Where is he?
Forgetting to Revert in Indirects:
Incorrect: I asked him where is the station.
Correct: I asked him where the station is.
Splitting the Phrase:
Incorrect: How is the water cold? (Unless you mean “In what way is the water cold?”)