Questions: typical errors

In wh-questions, the word order changes from subject + (auxiliary/modal) + main verb to wh-word + auxiliary/modal verb + subject + main verb:

What was she eating?

Not: What she was eating?

In yes-no questions, the word order changes from subject + (auxiliary verb) + main verb to auxiliary verb + subject + main verb:

Were you talking to Johnny?

Did you tell Rosa about what happened?

If there is no auxiliary verb in the affirmative, we use do before the subject:

Do you agree?

Not: Are you agree?

What does art mean?

Not: What art means? or What means art?

We can only use auxiliary and modal verbs, not main verbs, before the subject:

Where was the painting bought?

Not: Where was bought the painting?

How is the fish cooked?

Not: How is cooked the fish?

We use what, not which, to ask about specific information from a general range of possible answers:

What’s the name of the man who owns your company?

Not: Which is the name of the man who owns your company?