English - Basic Questions

What is ___?

Ask for the identity or name of something

Meaning: “What is ___?” Ask for the identity or name of something.

When to use: Use it when you want to know a name, object, place, or idea. Examples: “What is this?” “What is your name?”

Tip: Use “What is,” not “What are,” for one thing.

When is ___?

Ask about time or schedule

Meaning: “When is ___?” Ask about time or schedule.

When to use: Use it for days, dates, or general times. Examples: “When is class?” “When is lunch?”

Tip: Use “When is” for a schedule. Use “What time is” when you need the clock time.

What time is ___?

Ask for clock time

Meaning: “What time is ___?” Ask for clock time.

When to use: Use it when you want an exact time, like 9:00 or 3:30. Examples: “What time is the meeting?” “What time is dinner?”

Can you ___?

Ask someone to do something simple

Meaning: “Can you ___?” Ask someone to do something simple.

When to use: Use it for polite everyday requests. Examples: “Can you help me?” “Can you repeat that?”

Tip: After “Can you,” use the base action: “help,” “repeat,” “open.”

How do you say ___?

Ask how to express something in words

Meaning: “How do you say ___?” Ask how to express something in words.

When to use: Use it when you need a word or phrase. Examples: “How do you say this?” “How do you say ‘thank you’?”

I don't understand today.

say you do not understand (basic questions)

Meaning: “I don't understand today.” Say that you do not understand now or in today’s lesson.

When to use: Use it when you feel confused and need help. Examples: “I don't understand today.” “Sorry, I don't understand today.”

I like basic questions ___.

express a preference (basic questions)

Meaning: “I like basic questions ___.” Express a preference about basic-question practice.

When to use: Use it to say what kind of basic questions you like. Examples: “I like basic questions practice.” “I like basic questions today.”

Where is basic questions ___?

ask about location (basic questions)

Meaning: “Where is basic questions ___?” Ask about the location of basic-question material or practice.

When to use: Use it when you are looking for a basic-questions activity, class, or page. Examples: “Where is basic questions practice?” “Where is basic questions class?”

It depends on basic questions ___.

give a conditional answer (basic questions)

Meaning: “It depends on basic questions ___.” Say the answer changes because of basic-question practice or context.

When to use: Use it when there is not one simple answer. Examples: “It depends on basic questions practice.” “It depends on basic questions time.”

That makes sense today.

acknowledge understanding (basic questions)

Meaning: “That makes sense today.” Say you understand the idea now.

When to use: Use it after someone explains something in today’s lesson or conversation. Examples: “That makes sense today.” “Thanks, that makes sense today.”

take a basic questions ___

use a common take collocation (basic questions)

Meaning: “take a basic questions ___” Use a common “take a” pattern with basic-question activities.

When to use: Use it with words like “quiz,” “test,” or “break.” Examples: “take a basic questions quiz” “take a basic questions test”

You're welcome now.

respond to thanks (basic questions)

Meaning: “You're welcome now.” Respond after someone says thank you.

When to use: Use it after helping someone. Examples: “You're welcome now.” “Sure, you're welcome now.”

I'm looking for basic questions ___.

say what you are searching for (basic questions)

Meaning: “I'm looking for basic questions ___.” Say what you are searching for.

When to use: Use it when you need a basic-questions page, class, or practice. Examples: “I'm looking for basic questions practice.” “I'm looking for basic questions homework.”