Yes/No Questions
Yes/no questions expect a simple yes or no answer. They are formed by placing an auxiliary verb before the subject — the same inversion rule that applies to all English questions.
How to form yes/no questions
A yes/no question begins with an auxiliary verb (or be as a main verb), followed by the subject, then the main verb. The answer is always yes or no, usually with a short answer.
| Tense | Structure | Question | Short answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present simple | Do/Does + subject + base verb? | Do you like coffee? | Yes, I do. / No, I don't. |
| Present simple (be) | Am/Is/Are + subject? | Is she a teacher? | Yes, she is. / No, she isn't. |
| Present continuous | Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing? | Are they coming? | Yes, they are. / No, they aren't. |
| Past simple | Did + subject + base verb? | Did she call? | Yes, she did. / No, she didn't. |
| Past simple (be) | Was/Were + subject? | Were you tired? | Yes, I was. / No, I wasn't. |
| Present perfect | Have/Has + subject + past participle? | Have you eaten? | Yes, I have. / No, I haven't. |
| Future simple | Will + subject + base verb? | Will you help? | Yes, I will. / No, I won't. |
| Modal | Modal + subject + base verb? | Can she drive? | Yes, she can. / No, she can't. |
Short answers
In English, yes/no questions are typically answered with a short answer rather than just "yes" or "no". Short answers repeat the auxiliary verb used in the question.
Do you speak Spanish? → Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
Is he coming to the party? → Yes, he is. / No, he isn't.
Did they enjoy the meal? → Yes, they did. / No, they didn't.
Have you ever been to Japan? → Yes, I have. / No, I haven't.
Can she play the piano? → Yes, she can. / No, she can't.
Negative yes/no questions
Negative yes/no questions are formed with the negative auxiliary. They often express surprise, suggest something, or seek confirmation.
- Isn't she coming? (I expected her to come)
- Don't you like it? (I'm surprised you don't)
- Haven't you heard the news? (I'm surprised you haven't)
- Won't you join us? (inviting someone)
Isn't she coming? → Yes, she is. (she is coming) / No, she isn't. (she's not coming)
Don't you like coffee? → Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
Note: answer based on the truth, not on whether the question is positive or negative.
Never answer with just "Yes" or "No" in formal contexts: While a bare "yes" or "no" is understood, using a short answer (Yes, she does. No, I didn't.) is more natural and polite in English. Also, never repeat the full sentence as a short answer — "Yes, I do speak Spanish" sounds unnatural; use "Yes, I do."
Tip: The auxiliary in the short answer must match the auxiliary in the question. Do you…? → Yes, I do. Have you…? → Yes, I have. Is she…? → Yes, she is. Never mix them up.