Simple Yes/No Questions in English

Yes/no questions are the simplest type of questions in English. They always begin with a verb (either a main verb or an auxiliary verb like "do," "be," or "have"), and can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no," often followed by a short confirmation. These questions are essential for basic conversations and gathering simple information.

1. "Be" Verb Questions

Question Short Answer (Yes) Short Answer (No)
Are you hungry? Yes, I am. No, I'm not.
Is she your sister? Yes, she is. No, she isn't.
Are they coming? Yes, they are. No, they aren't.
Is it cold outside? Yes, it is. No, it isn't.

2. "Do/Does" Questions

Question Short Answer (Yes) Short Answer (No)
Do you like coffee? Yes, I do. No, I don't.
Does he speak English? Yes, he does. No, he doesn't.
Do they live here? Yes, they do. No, they don't.
Does it work? Yes, it does. No, it doesn't.

3. "Can" Questions (Ability)

Question Short Answer (Yes) Short Answer (No)
Can you swim? Yes, I can. No, I can't.
Can she drive? Yes, she can. No, she can't.
Can they help us? Yes, they can. No, they can't.

4. "Have/Has" Questions

Question Short Answer (Yes) Short Answer (No)
Have you finished? Yes, I have. No, I haven't.
Has he arrived? Yes, he has. No, he hasn't.
Have they eaten? Yes, they have. No, they haven't.

5. Common Everyday Questions

Question Possible Answers
Is this yours? Yes, it is. / No, it isn't.
Do you have time? Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
Are you ready? Yes, I am. / No, I'm not.
Did you like the movie? Yes, I did. / No, I didn't.
Will you help me? Yes, I will. / No, I won't.

Practice Exercise

Answer these questions with short answers:

  1. Are you a student? (Yes) → Yes, I am.
  2. Does your friend live nearby? (No) →
  3. Can your mother cook well? (Yes) →
  4. Have you visited London? (No) →
  5. Is today Monday? (Yes) →

Bonus: Create 5 yes/no questions and practice with a partner.