English Grammar

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Grammar Focus

Yes/No questions usually begin with the verbs be or do, depending on what you are asking. Use forms of be (am, is, are) when asking about someone’s identity, condition, or location. Use do/does to ask about actions or habits.

Examples:

• Is she tired? → “Yes, she is.” / “No, she isn’t.”
• Do you like pizza? → “Yes, I do.” / “No, I don’t.”

Use “do” with I, you, we, they.
Use “does” with he, she, it.
Use “is/are” for asking about feelings, jobs, and places.

Learning to ask and answer these types of questions helps you communicate clearly in daily conversations.

🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking

Yes/No questions with be and do are essential for starting conversations, checking facts, and asking about routines in daily life. These short questions help you get quick answers without needing long sentences.

You’ll often hear these questions in real situations like:

• In class:
  “Are you finished?” / “Do you understand?”
• At work or in stores:
  “Is this your order?” / “Do you need a receipt?”
• With friends or family:
  “Are you tired?” / “Does he want to come?”

Use this grammar when:

• You want to confirm something politely: “Do you have time now?”
• Someone is asking about how you feel or what you do: “Are you OK?”

Being able to recognize and answer these questions quickly helps you stay active in conversations and avoid confusion, especially in fast or casual speech.

Now, let’s practice your grammar skills with a game.

Use these questions to talk about yourself, your friends, and your family. Practice using am, is, are, do, and does to help you speak and understand better in real life.

Talk About Yourself Using Be and Do:
What can you say about yourself using “I am…” and “I do…”?
➤ For example: “I am quiet in the morning. I do my best every day.”

Talk About Someone in Your Life:
Think of someone important to you. What can you say about them using “He is…” / “She is…” and “He does…” / “She does…”?
➤ For example: “He is my cousin. He does art in his free time.”

Ask a Yes/No Question About Someone You Know:
Can you ask a Yes/No question about a friend or family member? Use “Is…” or “Does…”
➤ For example: “Is your mom a teacher?” “Does your sister play music?”

Describe a Group of People You Belong To:
Can you describe your class, your friends, or your family using “We are…” or “They are…”?
➤ For example: “We are good at working together. They are always kind.”

Ask a Yes/No Question About Yourself or a Group:
What Yes/No question can you ask using “Are you…” or “Do you…” or “Do you all…”?
➤ For example: “Are you ready?” “Do you like group work?” “Do you all speak the same language?”