Yes/no questions
Definition
A yes/no question asks whether a statement is true and can normally be answered with yes or no. It usually places an auxiliary, modal, or form of be before the subject.
Examples
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Are you ready?
A form of be moves before the subject.
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Does Maya work here?
Present simple questions use do-support, and the main verb stays in the base form.
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Can Leo drive?
The modal comes before the subject.
Statement vs. yes/no question
Maya has finished the report.
The subject comes before the auxiliary.
Has Maya finished the report?
The auxiliary has moves before the subject.
Question formation normally inverts the first auxiliary and the subject. When no auxiliary is present in the simple present or past, use do, does, or did.
Short answers repeat the auxiliary, not the main verb
A short answer normally uses yes/no + subject + auxiliary or be. The auxiliary matches the one used in the question.
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Does Maya work here? Yes, she does.
The short answer repeats does.
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Is Leo ready? No, he isn't.
The short answer uses the same form of be.
Common mistakes
Works Maya here?
Does Maya work here?
Use does + subject + base verb in a present simple question.
Did Leo arrived?
Did Leo arrive?
After did, use the base form of the main verb.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which present simple yes/no question is correct?
Use does + singular subject + base verb.Which question correctly inverts the auxiliary?
Move the first auxiliary has before the subject.Which short answer correctly matches Can Leo swim?
Repeat the modal can in the short answer.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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