GV

Short Answers

Responding to yes/no questions: Yes, I do. No, she isn't. Yes, they have.

beginner

When to Use Short Answers

  • •Responding to yes/no questions politely (not just 'yes' or 'no').
  • •Positive: Yes + subject + auxiliary. Yes, I do. Yes, she is.
  • •Negative: No + subject + auxiliary + not. No, I don't. No, she isn't.
  • •Match the auxiliary from the question.
  • •More polite and natural than just 'yes' or 'no'.

How to Form Short Answers

Affirmative (+)

Yes, + subject + auxiliary (do/does/did/am/is/are/have/has/can/will...)

Negative (-)

No, + subject + auxiliary + n't

Question (?)

Short answers respond to questions

💡 Don't repeat the main verb in short answers. Use only the auxiliary.

Examples of Short Answers

✓'Do you like coffee?' 'Yes, I do.'

✗'Do you like coffee?' 'Yes, I like.'

Don't repeat the main verb.

✓'Is she coming?' 'No, she isn't.'

✗'Is she coming?' 'No, she doesn't.'

Match the auxiliary (is, not does).

✓'Have you been there?' 'Yes, I have.'

✗'Have you been there?' 'Yes, I do.'

Match 'have' with 'have'.

Common Mistakes with Short Answers

💡 Practice Tips for Short Answers

  • • Listen for the auxiliary in the question.
  • • Use the same auxiliary in your answer.
  • • Positive: Yes, + pronoun + auxiliary.
  • • Negative: No, + pronoun + auxiliary + n't.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.'Do you like coffee?' 'Yes, I  .'
  2. 2.'Is she coming?' 'No, she  .'
  3. 3.'Can you swim?' 'Yes, I  .'
  4. 4.'Have you finished?' 'No, I  .'
  5. Question 5: 'Are you ready?' 'Yes, I blank.'
    5.'Are you ready?' 'Yes, I .'
  6. Question 6: 'Does he work here?' 'Yes, he blank.'
    6.'Does he work here?' 'Yes, he .'
  7. Question 7: 'Did they call?' 'No, they blank.'
    7.'Did they call?' 'No, they .'
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