Closed questions (Yes/No)

A1 Beginner

Closed questions are used to ask for a simple 'yes' or 'no' response. They are formed by placing the auxiliary or modal verb before the subject.

Overview

Closed questions, also known as yes/no questions, do not use question words like who or where. Instead, they begin with a verb and require a confirmation or denial of a statement.

Form

Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb / Complement

To form these questions, move the auxiliary verb (be, do, have) or modal verb (can) to the beginning of the sentence, before the subject.

Statements vs. Questions

Note that for the present simple of verbs other than be, the auxiliary do or does must be added.

Statement	Question
You are a student.	Are you a student?
They like coffee.	Do they like coffee?
She has a car.	Does she have a car?

Examples

Common mistakes

You are hungry?
Are you hungry?
In English, the verb must move before the subject to form a standard question.
Likes he pizza?
Does he like pizza?
Main verbs (except 'be') cannot move to the front; you must use the auxiliary 'do' or 'does'.

Practice

Turn this statement into a question: 'She is a doctor.'
Show answer
Is she a doctor?
Answer:Is she a doctor?
Why:The verb 'is' moves to the front of the sentence before the subject 'she'.
Turn this statement into a question: 'They play football.'
Show answer
Do they play football?
Answer:Do they play football?
Why:For the present simple of 'play', the auxiliary 'do' is required at the start.
Turn this statement into a question: 'He can speak English.'
Show answer
Can he speak English?
Answer:Can he speak English?
Why:The modal verb 'can' moves to the front of the sentence.