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A1Questions

Questions (overview)

1

What is it?

Questions in English are formed by inverting the subject and auxiliary verb (or using "do/does/did" when there is no auxiliary). There are three main types: yes/no questions (answered with yes or no), wh- questions (starting with who, what, where, when, why, how), and tag questions (short questions added to statements). Getting question word order right is one of the most important basics in English.

2

How to form it

SubjectPositiveNegativeQuestion
Yes/No — present simpleDo you like coffee?Don't you like coffee?Does she work here?
Yes/No — past simpleDid you see the film?Didn't you see it?Did they arrive on time?
Yes/No — with beAre you a student?Aren't you a student?Is he coming tonight?
Wh- question — presentWhere do you live?What does she do?
Wh- question — pastWhen did you arrive?Why did he leave?
Tag questionYou live here, don't you?She doesn't like it, does she?He's coming, isn't he?
  • • Yes/No questions: invert the auxiliary and subject. If no auxiliary, add "do/does" (present) or "did" (past).
  • • Wh- questions: wh- word + auxiliary + subject + main verb: "Where do you work?"
  • • With "be" as main verb: invert subject and "be". No "do" needed: "Is she here?"
  • • With modal verbs: invert modal and subject: "Can you help me?"
  • • Tag questions: use the opposite polarity and match the tense of the main verb.
  • • Word order: (Wh-word) + Auxiliary + Subject + Main verb + ...
3

When to use it

  1. 1

    Yes/No question — auxiliary first

    Have you eaten yet?

  2. 2

    Wh- question — wh- word before auxiliary

    What are you doing?

  3. 3

    "Do/does/did" for present/past simple (no auxiliary)

    Do you know him? / Did she call?

  4. 4

    "Be" questions — no "do"

    Are you tired? / Was it expensive?

  5. 5

    Tag question — opposite auxiliary

    It's cold, isn't it? / You didn't come, did you?

4

Common mistakes

Where you live?

Where do you live?

Questions need an auxiliary verb. Add "do" when there is no other auxiliary.

What does he wants?

What does he want?

After "does", use the base form of the verb. Not "wants" — the "s" is already on "does".

You are a teacher, aren't you?

You are a teacher, aren't you? (correct) OR: You're not a teacher, are you?

This one is actually correct. Positive statement + negative tag: "aren't you".

5

Quick reference

  • Yes/No: auxiliary + subject + verb.
  • Wh-: question word + auxiliary + subject + verb.
  • With "be" as main verb: invert, no "do".
  • No auxiliary in statement? Add "do/does/did".
  • Tag questions: match tense, opposite polarity.
  • Never use question word order in indirect/embedded questions.
6

Natural conversation example

Two new students get to know each other.

L

Leo

Are you in the morning or afternoon class?
N

Nia

The morning one. Did you start this week too?
L

Leo

Yes! Where do you come from originally?
N

Nia

Brazil. And you? You're not from here, are you?
L

Leo

No, I'm from Portugal. Do you know many people here yet?
N

Nia

Not really. What do you do back home?
L

Leo

I'm an engineer. Why did you choose this school?
N

Nia

The reviews were great. Have you tried the café next door yet?

Practice Exercises

Write the correct auxiliary verb to complete the question.

  1. 1.
    __ you speak any other languages?
  2. 2.
    __ she working yesterday?
  3. 3.
    __ he have a car?
  4. 4.
    __ they arrived yet?
  5. 5.
    __ you like to come with us?
  6. 6.
    __ it rain last Tuesday?
  7. 7.
    __ you been to Japan?
  8. 8.
    __ she at the meeting tomorrow?
  9. 9.
    __ you call me back later?
  10. 10.
    __ the train leave on time?
All TopicsSubject Questions

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