WH-Questions: Building Complex Sentences
Chad Sherman · on 24 July 2026 · 7 min read · Last reviewed 24 July 2026
WH-questions are a type of question that begins with a wh-word (who, what, where, when, why, which, how) and serves as a request for specific information, typically in speech therapy and language development.
- WH-questions make up about 10% of all questions in English.
- Children typically start asking WH-questions around the age of 3.
- There are 8 types of WH-questions in English.
- WH-questions are crucial in language development for children.
How are WH-questions used in speech therapy?
Speech therapists use WH-questions to improve a child's ability to understand and form complex sentences, enhancing their communication skills. For instance, a therapist might ask, "What did you eat for lunch?" to encourage a child to form a complete sentence rather than just saying "sandwich."
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, WH-questions help children develop critical thinking and expressive language skills.
When working with young children, speech therapists often use visual aids, like pictures or flashcards, to help them understand and respond to WH-questions. For example, a therapist might hold up a picture of a dog and ask, "What is this?" to help the child associate the image with the word "dog."
As children progress, therapists introduce more complex WH-questions, such as "Why do you think the dog barked?" to encourage problem-solving and higher-level thinking.
What are the types of WH-questions?
The eight types of WH-questions are who, what, where, when, why, which, how, and whose. Each type serves a different purpose in eliciting specific information.
- Who: refers to people (e.g., "Who is your teacher?")
- What: refers to objects or actions (e.g., "What is this?")
- Where: refers to locations (e.g., "Where do you live?")
- When: refers to time (e.g., "When is your birthday?")
- Why: refers to reasons (e.g., "Why are you happy?")
- Which: refers to choices (e.g., "Which one do you want?")
- How: refers to methods or conditions (e.g., "How do you feel?")
- Whose: refers to possession (e.g., "Whose book is this?")
How can assistive speech software help with WH-questions?
Assistive speech software, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), can help children practice and improve their WH-question skills. These apps often feature visual supports, such as pictures or symbols, to help children understand and form WH-questions.
Opening an AAC app for the first time, I was struck by how it could transform a child's ability to communicate. For example, an app might have a "What" button with a picture of an object, like a ball. When the child presses the button, the app says, "What is this?" and the child can respond by finding the corresponding picture.
Some popular AAC apps for WH-questions include Proloquo2Go and TouchChat by Saltillo. These apps offer customizable vocabulary and the ability to create personalized activities to target specific WH-questions.
To get the most out of AAC apps, it's essential to work with a speech therapist who can provide guidance and support. Therapists can help tailor the app to the child's specific needs and monitor their progress over time.
What is the most popular AAC app?
The most popular AAC app is Proloquo2Go, which is widely used by speech therapists and families alike. It offers a comprehensive vocabulary and customizable options to suit individual needs.
Proloquo2Go features a user-friendly interface with symbols and text-to-speech capabilities. It also offers a variety of pre-programmed activities to target specific language skills, including WH-questions.
In my experience, Proloquo2Go is particularly effective for children with autism or other communication disorders. Its customizable nature allows therapists to tailor the app to the child's unique needs and abilities.
How much does an AAC device cost?
An AAC device's cost can vary widely, depending on the type and features. Low-tech options, such as picture cards or communication boards, can cost as little as $20. High-tech devices, like dedicated speech-generating devices, can cost several thousand dollars.
| AAC Device Type | Cost Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Tech | $20 - $200 | Picture cards, communication boards |
| Mid-Tech | $200 - $1,000 | Electronic communication boards, simple AAC apps |
| High-Tech | $1,000 - $10,000+ | Dedicated speech-generating devices, advanced AAC apps |
How to get an AAC device for free?
There are several ways to obtain an AAC device for free or at a reduced cost. Many insurance companies cover the cost of AAC devices, especially if they are deemed medically necessary. Additionally, some schools and educational programs provide AAC devices to students with communication disorders.
To get started, consult with a speech therapist or healthcare provider who can help determine the best AAC device for your child's needs. They can also assist with the insurance approval process and provide guidance on available resources.
Nonprofit organizations, such as the Autism Society or the United Way, may also offer financial assistance or low-cost loan programs for AAC devices.
For more information, explore the Speech Therapy for 3 Year Olds: What to Expect to understand the broader context of speech therapy for young children.
What is the speech assist app for free?
One popular free speech assist app is Speech Assistant AAC, which offers a range of features to support communication for individuals with speech impairments. This app includes a customizable vocabulary, text-to-speech capabilities, and the ability to create personalized phrases.
Offering a variety of pre-programmed activities, the app targets specific language skills, including WH-questions. It is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, making it a valuable resource for both children and adults.
Check out paid AAC apps for advanced features. TouchChat by Saltillo or Grid by SmartBox. These apps offer comprehensive vocabulary and customizable options to suit individual needs.
To learn more about the benefits of AAC apps, check out the Cluttering: Causes and Therapy Techniques for insights on how technology can support communication.
How to choose the right AAC app for WH-questions?
To choose the right AAC app for WH-questions, consider the child's specific needs and abilities. Look for apps that offer customizable vocabulary, visual supports, and the ability to target specific language skills.
The gist: the right AAC app should act as a personalized language coach, adapting to the child's unique needs and abilities.
Consult with a speech therapist who can provide guidance and support in selecting the best AAC app. They can help tailor the app to the child's specific needs and monitor their progress over time.
Additionally, consider the app's user interface and ease of use. Look for apps that are intuitive and user-friendly, with clear visual supports and text-to-speech capabilities.
To learn about AAC apps, check out the plurals-irregular-teaching and past-tense-for-teaching for insights on how technology can support language development.
How to use AAC apps effectively for WH-questions?
To use AAC apps effectively for WH-questions, follow these steps:
- Consult with a speech therapist to determine the best AAC app for the child's needs.
- Customize the app's vocabulary to include WH-questions and relevant visual supports.
- Introduce the app gradually, starting with simple WH-questions and progressing to more complex ones.
- Use the app consistently, incorporating it into daily activities and interactions.
- Monitor the child's progress and adjust the app's settings as needed.
For more tips on using AAC apps effectively, explore the Sequencing Questions Examples: Critical Thinking and Mean Length of Utterance: Tracking Progress for insights on how technology can support language development.
Using WH-questions in speech therapy and employing assistive speech software can greatly enhance a child's communication abilities. Knowing the various WH-questions, the advantages of AAC apps, and how to select and utilize them effectively, parents and therapists can aid children in forming intricate sentences and articulating thoughts more distinctly.
Frequently asked questions
How do WH-questions help in constructing complex sentences?
WH-questions introduce dependent clauses, adding layers to sentences. For example, 'I know who took the book' combines a main clause ('I know') with a dependent clause ('who took the book'), creating complexity. This structure allows for detailed, nuanced expressions.
What are some common WH-words used in forming complex sentences?
Common WH-words include 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' 'when,' 'why,' 'how,' 'which,' and 'whose.' Each serves a unique function. 'Who' and 'whom' refer to people, 'which' and 'what' to objects, and 'where,' 'when,' and 'why' to circumstances. 'How' describes manner.
Can WH-questions be used in both direct and indirect speech?
Yes. In direct speech, WH-questions stand alone, like 'Where are you going?' In indirect speech, they form embedded questions, such as 'She asked where I was going.' This shift often involves pronoun changes and tense adjustments, maintaining grammatical correctness.
Why are WH-questions essential for advanced English communication?
They enable precise questioning and detailed responses. For instance, 'What time does the train leave?' specifies information needs. Mastery of WH-questions enhances clarity, coherence, and the ability to convey complex ideas effectively in both spoken and written English.