The exact interrogative sentence for "The dog is barking" is Is the dog barking?
Interrogative sentences are a fundamental part of English grammar, used to ask questions. They differ from declarative sentences, which make statements, by their structure and often by the presence of a question mark at the end.
Understanding Interrogative Sentences
An interrogative sentence serves the primary purpose of eliciting information. It directly asks a question and typically ends with a question mark (?). These sentences are crucial for communication, allowing speakers and writers to inquire, confirm, or seek clarification.
For instance, while a declarative sentence like "The dog is barking" provides a piece of information, its interrogative counterpart, "Is the dog barking?", seeks confirmation or details about the dog's action.
Transforming Declarative Sentences into Interrogative Form
When transforming a declarative sentence into an interrogative one, especially those containing a form of the verb "to be" (like is, am, are, was, were), the auxiliary verb typically moves to the beginning of the sentence.
Here's how to form an interrogative sentence from "The dog is barking":
- Identify the auxiliary verb: In the sentence "The dog is barking," the auxiliary verb is "is."
- Move the auxiliary verb: Place "is" at the beginning of the sentence.
- Maintain the subject and main verb: Keep "the dog" (subject) and "barking" (main verb/present participle) in their positions relative to each other, after the auxiliary verb.
- Add a question mark: Conclude the sentence with a question mark.
Following these steps transforms "The dog is barking" into "Is the dog barking?"
Examples of Declarative to Interrogative Transformations
| Declarative Sentence | Interrogative Sentence |
|---|---|
| The dog is barking. | Is the dog barking? |
| She is sleeping. | Is she sleeping? |
| They are happy. | Are they happy? |
| He was singing. | Was he singing? |
This transformation principle is consistent for sentences where "to be" acts as the main verb or an auxiliary verb.
Key Takeaways for Sentence Transformation
- Auxiliary Verb First: For sentences with "to be" verbs, the auxiliary verb typically comes before the subject.
- Question Mark: All interrogative sentences end with a question mark (?).
- Purpose: The goal is to ask a direct question, changing the sentence's function from stating a fact to inquiring about one.
