Which question word is used for asking about time

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Which question word is used for asking about time?, I can’t find my glasses. _______ are they?», I wasn’t listening. _______ did she say?, _________ do you live? I live in Jerusalem, _________ do you wake up? I wake up at 7:30 am., _________ is this? That’s my electronic dictionary., _________ do you take English class? Because I want to improve my speaking, _________ does your father work? He works at the post office., _________ is the party? It is on Saturday night., _________ are you sad? Because my dog is sick., ________ do you go to school? by bus, _________ is your best friend? Leen, _______are you?, ________ is that girl? My sister Anna.

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English Grammar : «WH» Question Word ‘When’

'wh' question word 'When' in English Grammar

«WH» Question Word : ‘When’

‘When’ is used to ask about time, period and date.

Examples:
  • • When is your meeting?
  • • When do you study at home?
  • • When is the birthday party?
  • • When is your wedding anniversary?

Uses of Question Word : ‘When’ (Questions with ‘when’)

Examples:
  • When is your annual examination?
  • • When is your birthday?
  • • When is your flight / train?
  • • When will your father return from USA?
  • • When is your sister coming from Africa?
  • • When will you leave for Canada?
  • • When did you pass your Graduation?
  • • When did you meet Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam?
  • • When will you come to our house?
  • • When do you go to the library?
  • • When will you get your degree?
  • • When did we meet last?
  • • When does/did/will Radha cook?
  • • When will you finish your studies?
  • • When will I get job?
  • • When will you return my money?
  • When will he return from school?
  • • When did they go to Goa?
  • • When will you go to Goa?
  • • When did they come back from America?
  • • When did you start your business?
  • • When are you sending the money?
  • • When will you post your invoice?
  • • When does your father return home?
  • • When do you study?
  • • When will you go abroad?
  • • When do you go to see a movie?
  • • When did you come back from class?
  • • When will you buy a new car?
  • • When will you return after your holidays?
  • • When do you plan to get married?
  • • When did you start working here?

English Grammar : Pronoun

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Whoever you talk to or wherever you are, time is a constant feature of your life. From a corporate to a social gathering, time remains a significant factor. You need to ask people about the time of a meeting, seminar, conference, class, cricket match, party, or when you forget to wear your wristwatch and need to know the exact time. How to do that?

“Could you please tell me the time?” and “What time is it?” are commonly used to ask the time in English. Also, there are some other polite expressions that native speakers of English use to ask the time depending on situations and purposes. No matter whom you talk to, you are expected to have polite diction, tone, and gesture while asking the time.     

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For many non-native speakers, asking the time in English may seem very difficult. Worry not! In this post, I have come up with some simple and polite expressions so that you can sound smart and natural while asking the time in English.

Note: Don’t get confused between “Asking the time” and “Asking for time.”

When you ask the time, you want to know (1) what time it is now, (1) when something will happen, or (3) how long it will take.

On the other hand, if you ask for time from someone, you want to know if they are free or available at your requested time. To learn different ways to ask someone about their availability, read my another post titled How to Ask If Someone Is AvailableOpens in a new tab.

Throughout the post, I will explain different expressions in detail and show how we can use them in different situations for various purposes.

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What Time Is It?

“What time is it?” is probably the most popular way of asking someone about the time. On different occasions, when you need to know the time, you can simply use this expression to ask someone about the time. I recommend using this only for informal situations.

Suppose you are at the birthday party of one of your close friends and it seems too late at night. You don’t have any watch or clock nearby. How do you know the time then? Of course, you ask someone else about the time by saying, “What time is it?” There are some other similar expressions too. You can say—

  • What is the time?
  • What time is it now?
  • What’s the time by your watch?

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Could You Please Tell Me the Time?

You might think this particular expression would be a very formal way of asking someone about the time as you see the words “Could” and “Please” in the expression. Yes, of course, while you make any request, using modal auxiliary verbs at the beginning and adding the word “please” may help you sound formal and polite.

Well! To know how modal auxiliary can help you make your requests more polite and formal, you can read my other post—Making Polite Requests: Formal, Informal, and Semi-formalOpens in a new tab..      

Whenever you ask someone the time, you request them to help you with the time information by their watch. So, in any situation, whether it’s formal or informal, you can ask the time by saying, “Could you please tell me the time?”

You can also use this expression to the people you know or have met for the first time. Suppose you left your mobile phone home in a hurry. You are waiting at a bus stop, and you need to know the time as you have a meeting to join. You can ask the person you met for the first time standing next to you about the time by saying, “Could you please tell me the time?”

Note: You can replace the modal “Could” with “Would” in this expression. It will sound like “Would You Please Tell Me the Time?” then.  

Excuse Me, May I Know the Time?

ask the time

Asking the time using modal verb “May”

“Excuse me, may I know the time” is similar to the expression “Could you please tell me the time?” In both the expressions, we notice modal verbs and polite words like “Please” and “Excuse me.”

We can use “Excuse me, may I know the time?” to ask about the time in formal situations. Whether someone is already known or unknown, you can ask them about the time using this polite expression. 

Would You Tell Me What Time It Is now, Please?

This is a very formal way to ask someone about the time. We already have come to know that “What time is it?” is the most common but casual way of asking someone about the time. “Would you tell me what time it is now, please?” also have a similar meaning with a similar purpose to the expression “What time is it?”

However, there is a difference in terms of formality and politeness. We use “Would you tell me what time it is now, please?” in formal settings, but we use “What time is it?” in informal settings.

Note: The modal auxiliary “Would” can be replaced with “Could” in this particular expression. In that case, it sounds like “Could You Please Tell Me the Time?” then.

Would You Mind If I Ask You the Time?

Though this expression sounds like a question, this is used to ask for permission and make requests. However, “Would you mind…” is prevalently used to ask for permission politely in EnglishOpens in a new tab.. We can use this to ask about the time as well.

Though it sounds like asking for permission, it is expected that the person you ask the time from will reply with something like, “It’s five o’clock.” You can use this expression in formal situations and with the people you already know or someone you have met right now.  

Note: The word “Would” is replaceable with “Do” in this expression. After the replacement, it will sound like, “Do you mind if I ask you the time?” Yet, I recommend using the expression with “Do” in informal or semi-formal settings.

What Time Does/Should…?

I already have mentioned that there are different expressions that are used to ask the time based on situations and purposes. Suppose you are talking to a customer care agent of a super shop to know about the shop’s opening time. What do you ask the agent? You say—What time does the shop open?

Like the other ways of asking about the time, this particular expression also aims at finding time-specific information. Some similar kinds of questions may be—

  • What time does your shop close?
  • What time does the movie end?
  • What time should they leave?
  • What time should we come?

Note: In most cases, the phrase “What time” can be replaced with “When” in this expression. The sentences will sound like—

  • When does the shop close?
  • When does the movie end?
  • When should they leave?
  • When should we come?

How Long…?

The purpose of asking about the time is not limited to knowing about the present clock time but also to know when something may happen or how long it may take. Well! How do we ask if we want to know about the time frame or duration of any action that has already taken place or will take place?

We use the phrase “How long” at the beginning of the sentence to know about the duration of any action. Let’s see some examples that show how to ask about the time of any activity that has already taken place.

  • How long did it take to copy the files?
  • How long have you been there?
  • How long have you studied English literature?

Similarly, when we need to ask about the time frame of any action that may take place in the future or happen regularly, we say—

  • How long will it take to finish the task?
  • How long will it take to go there?
  • How long does it take to complete the job?

Use a Polite Tone & Appropriate Gesture While Asking the Time

ask the time

Use Polite Tone & Appropriate Gesture While Asking the Time

During verbal communication, our voice tone and body language can play a vital role in making it more effective. Though your tone and gesture are nonverbal communication tools, they can add beauty to your verbal communication. While asking the time from someone, you are expected to be polite in your choice of words, tone, and body language.

When you ask the time, you request a specific piece of information from someone. And, of course, your tone and body language matter a lot while making any request. Your attitude can play a crucial role in convincing the person to accept your request. In another post, I talked about effective and polite body language while making requestsOpens in a new tab.or asking for permissionOpens in a new tab..   

A Sample Conversation on Asking the Time in English

Bryan: Excuse me. May I ask what time is it?

Torry: It’s fifteen past three. 

Bryan: Oh, thanks…. Hi, I’m Bryan by the way.

Torry: I’m Torry. Nice to meet you.

Bryan: Nice to meet you too. Are you in the Psychology department too? I think I saw you in the class.

Torry: Yep. I saw you too. Are you working on the Criminal Psychology assignment?

Bryan: Yeah. I’ve still loads to write. What are you doing?

Torry: I’m on the research part still. How long do you think it will take you to finish?

Bryan: Can’t say anything right now. I might need a day or two. And you?

Torry: More than what you need. I have to print some infographics and charts before I start writing. Do you know when does the business service center close?

Bryan: Just about time…. In fifteen minutes maybe. 

Torry: Seriously! Then I guess I’ve got to dash now — see ya later, Bryan.

Bryan: Yeah, I’ll see ya around. 

Takeaway Words

Psychology (noun) = a systematic scientific study of the human brain, mind, and behavior 

Infographics (noun) = an illustration consisting of data, information, chart, diagram, etc. 

Dash (verb) = to move, walk, or run to a place very swiftly 

In Conclusion

Asking the time in the right way is essential to all speakers, regardless of their language. As an ESL teacher, I find many of my students struggling with the expressions of asking the time.

I hope this post will help you to overcome the problems related to this.

Thanks for reading.

Happy learning.

There are two main types of questions: Yes/No questions and WH- question. WH-questions are questions starting with WH-words including: what, when, where, who, whom, which, whose, why and how.

Question words are used to ask about specific qualities, times, places, people and so on. Below is a list of question words and example sentences:

Question words

Usages

Examples

What

Used to ask about things

— What are you doing?

— What do you think about the movie?

When

Used to ask about time

— When will the meeting start?

 — When are you leaving?

Where

Used to ask about places

— Where’s my bag?

— Where do you live?

Who

Used to ask about people

— Who do you love the most in your family?

— Who told you that story?

Whom

Used to ask about people (object of verb)

— Whom did you see in the morning?  I saw Mr. Mark, my English teacher.

— Whom was Jim talking to? He was talking to Jack, his new roommate.

Which 

Used to ask about choices

— Which one do you choose? The left or right?

— Of all the drinks in the menu, which one would you like?

Whose

Used to ask about possession

— Whose pencil is this? Is it yours?

— Whose books are these?

Why

Used to ask about reasons/ causes

— Why did it happen? I didn’t understand.

— Why is he crying?

How

Used to ask about manner/ process

— How can you explain this problem? Please tell us.

— How can you get here?

I. How to form WH-questions?

1. with an auxiliary

WH-WORD + AUXILIARY + SUBJECT + MAIN VERB …?

  • Auxiliary verbs are helping verbs (not main verbs).
  • Common auxiliary verbs include be, do, have. Others are will, shall, would, can, could, must, should, may, might, etc.
  • What do you do for a living?
  • Why should we read books?
  • When is she coming?
2. without any auxiliary
(when WH-words replace subjects already)

WH-WORD + MAIN VERB …?

  • What happened to Peter?
  • A bad accident happened to him today.
  • Who won the game?
  • Tio won the game.
  • Who gave you this present?
  • My cousin gave me this present.

II. Responding to WH-questions

1. What

  • What is it?
  • It’s a table.
  • What color is your dress?
  • It’s purple.
  • What is your mom doing?
  • She’s cooking in the kitchen.
  • What do you think about the party?
  • Well. It’s fun. I like the music best.
  • What will happen if our team loses this time?
  • We’ll be out of the game.
2. When

  • When will the train arrive?
  • The train will arrive in 30 minutes.
  • When does she get up?
  • She gets up at 6 am.
  • When did the party end?
  • It ended before 8 pm.
  • When are you going to visit James?
  • I’m going to see him tomorrow.
3. Where

  • Where do you live?
  • I live in Washington D.C.
  • Where are you going?
  • I’m going to the zoo.
  • Where’s the coffee bar?
  • It’s between the supermarket and the cinema.
  • Where did you leave my jacket?
  • I left it in my bedroom.
  • Where have you been?
  • I’ve been in the library reading books.
4. Who

  • Who’s this?
  • She’s my new roommate.
  • Who wants to be a scientist in the future?
  • My sister does. I don’t.
  • Who would you like to travel with?
  • I would like to travel with my best friend, Kim.
  • Who told you that secret?
  • Jenny did. She told me everything.
  • Who do you like the most in this class?
  • I like Henry. He’s so friendly.
5. Whom

  • Whom should we talk to?
  • We should talk to the principal. She’s responsible for student issues.
  • Whom did you see yesterday?
  • I saw Kevin and his girlfriend.
  • Whom would you like to interview?
  • I would like to interview Mr.Patrick, the director.
  • Whom do we have to contact?
  • We have to contact the representative of that company.
  • Whom did you meet in front of the building last week?
  • That was Annie, my secretary.
  • Whom do you know in this class?
  • I only know Danny.
  • Whom are you going to invite?
  • I’m going to invite all of my classmates
  • With whom do you agree?
  • I agree with Henry’s team.
6. Which

  • Which shirt do you like?
  • I like the one with the big yellow star on it.
  • Which color do you choose?
  • I choose red.
  • Which part do you like the most in this story?
  • I love the 2nd part when the prince came and proposed to the princess.
  • Which is the longest river in the world?
  • That’s the Nile.
  • Which one is yours?
  • Mine is the biggest one.
7. Whose

  • Whose jacket is this?
  • It’s my mom’s.
  • Whose birthday is today?
  • It’s Jenny’s.
  • Whose pencil is on the floor?
  • That’s mine.
  • Whose team is better?
  • Will’s team is much better.
8. Why

  • Why don’t we visit him now?
  • It’s a good idea.
  • Why did you leave so early?
  • Because I didn’t enjoy the party.
  • Why do you think that he loves you?
  • Because he’s given me lots of chocolate on Valentine’s day.
  • Why do people celebrate Thanksgiving?
  • Because it’s a special day.
  • Why can’t I go to the cinema now?
  • Because you haven’t done your homework.
  • Why are you so late?
  • Sorry, teacher. I missed the bus.
9. How

  • How’s the weather?
  • It’s sunny and hot.
  • How do you feel?
  • I feel much better now.
  • How did you know him?
  • We were old friends.
  • How’s your new job?
  • It’s interesting. I enjoy it.
  • How often do you go to the movie theater?
  • I sometimes go there. I’m quite busy.
  • How far is it from your house to school?
  • Not too far. I walk to school every day.
  • How much did it cost?
  • It cost $4.
  • How many people are there in your class?
  • There are 30 of them.
  • How come you lost the game?
  • I couldn’t answer the first question well enough.

Wh Questions Test

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Read the following vow of loyalty:

«The man should put his hands together as a sign of humility, and place them between the two hands of his lord as a token that he vows everything to him and promises faith to him; and the lord should receive him and promise to keep faith with him. Then the man should say: ‘Sir, I enter your homage and faith and become your man by mouth and hands (that is, by taking the oath and placing his hands between those of the lord), and I swear and promise to keep faith and loyalty to you against all others.'»

Why is it significant that the vow was given to a particular person rather than a nation, written constitution, or religion?

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