Delahunty and Garvey
which they function, but there is little formal reason to separate them. We
thus list them as a single group in Table 6. We will briefly explain their
range of functions here and go into more detail in other chapters.
Some of the words in Table 6 are traditionally called pronouns. Because of
our emphasis on form, we will not use this label. Some of the members of the
group function as pronouns in certain constructions but not in others. To call
them pronouns on this limited basis confuses form with function.
who whom which
what whose when
where why whether
how
table 6: wh-words
The label wh-word is a mnemonic that clearly applies to all members of the
class except how. Nevertheless, this form deserves inclusion on the basis of its
grammatical behavior.
Wh-pronouns perform three distinct functions:
a. Introducing information questions
b. Introducing relative clauses
c. Introducing noun clauses
We will illustrate these functions with who, which, and where. We will also
indicate cases in which these words can occur as headwords and as modifiers.
An information question requests that the hearer respond with some in-
formation beyond a mere “yes” or “no.” These questions appear with all wh-
words (except whether). It is in this role that wh-words are traditionally called
interrogative pronouns.
(12) a. Who invented the telescope? (Head)
b. Which do you want? (Head)
c. Which donut do you want? (Modifier)
d. Where did she find that hat? (Head)
Exercise
For each of the wh-words in Table 6 (except whether), create three
wh-questions.