Questions Archives - Studywindows - A Simple Educational Blog for Children

In the English language, when it comes to forming questions, we have two alternatives to go for. One of them is the Wh Questions, or as some call it, open-ended questions and the other alternative is called the Yes/No type questions or the closed questions. In this post, we will be discussing the Yes/No Type questions in detail. Let’s get started. What are Yes or No Questions for Kids in English? What is Yes or No Question? As I have mentioned earlier, the Yes/No type questions are also called closed questions. This is simply because these questions help us to make a kind of objective inquiry towards something where the two possible responses can be either “Yes” or “No”. The person responding cannot give a subjective answer or even a detailed answer to questions like these. This is one of the main differences between the Wh questions and the Yes/No type questions. Yes or No Question Examples Let’s look at a few examples to understand them better. Question: Are you going to school tomorrow?Answer: Yes, I am. This is a classic example of a Yes/No type question where you can see that the response merely includes an assertion by stating “yes”. Question: When are you coming to school tomorrow?Answer: Well, the usual timing, around 7 ‘o'clock. This, on the other hand, is a Wh question that allows you to state more than just “yes” or “no”. Here, you can see that the person has mentioned the possible time or arrival as well. Apart from the idea of being subjective or objective, another key difference between these two alternatives is from the aspect of syntax. As you might already know, the Wh questions are called the Wh questions because they begin with any of the nine Wh words that we have in the English language. You can check our previous post about the Wh questions and their examples for a better idea. For the Yes/No type questions, however, the syntax is a bit different. They use auxiliary verbs to form interrogative sentences. Some of the most frequently used auxiliary verbs to make Yes/No type questions are “Have”, “Do”, and “Be”. Apart from that, modal verbs are also used to form the questions as well. Usually, they refer to situations where some ability, possibility, or necessity is indicated. For example; Can you run as fast as him?Shall I try it again tomorrow?May I give you some advice on that?Shouldn’t you be studying for the exams next week? Syntax for Yes/No Type Questions Auxiliary Verb Syntax Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + Object + ? This syntax is applicable for all the auxiliary verbs used to make Yes/No type questions. Let’s look at a few examples: Have you completed your homework?Do you know how to play the Ukulele?Are you going to play football with us or not? Modal Auxiliary Verb Syntax Modal verb + Subject + Main verb + Object + ? Just like auxiliary verbs, this syntax is applicable for all the modal auxiliary verbs used to form the questions. Let’s look at a few examples: Could you please lend me the book for one day?Should you eat so much just before the training?Might I suggest something to get rid of this trouble?Wouldn’t you like to stay back tonight since there is a storm coming? Note: Always remember to use the correct conjugation of the main verb while using the auxiliary verbs to form the questions. Also, when you wish to form questions in negation, you would have to use the negative word after the auxiliary verb. Examples for Yes or No Questions Let’s Look at Some Examples Using All the Auxiliary and Modal Verbs With Do: Do we need to know the details of the project?Does he know what it takes to be on the top?Did you miss the last train by any chance?Did you see anyone near the front gate when you entered the complex?Do you know where he stays in the city?Did you finish all the orange juice by yourself?Does she realize the consequence of this action? With Have: Have you pondered enough become doing this?Had you been there when she was around?Have you been to your cousin’s place lately?Have you lost all your senses?Has he realized his mistake?Has she agreed to take part in the competition? With Be: Am I going to this all by myself?Is she coming to my birthday party or not?Are you acting like this deliberately, or is something wrong?Was he there when the incident happened?Were you happy to see him after so many days?Am I stupid or what?Is he going to call me or not?Aren’t you even a little curious about how things might turn out?Was the film this much horrible?Were they playing in the field? With Modal Auxiliary Verbs: Can’t you be even a little sympathetic towards him?Shouldn’t you be helping your mother in this situation?May I do something to fix the situation?Would you like some hot chocolate now?Will you be there to assist me with the practical exam?Could you please hold the line as I look for the number?Could you please hold the door?Would you like to have dinner with me this evening?May I change the water in the vase?Must you be this impudent?Could you please call my father once? Conclusion So, there you have it, all the details of the Yes/No Type questions, along with their syntax and examples. I believe this will help to clear your doubts on this topic. Should you have any other queries, please feel free to mention them in the comments section. Further Study You can refer to our other interesting articles, Wh QuestionsHow to learn English GrammarParts of speechCommon errors in English