Forming Yes/No Questions

The Basic Rule

To form a yes/no question in English, move the auxiliary verb to the beginning of the sentence.

Steps

  1. Identify the auxiliary verb: Look for the helping verb (be, have, do, or a modal).
  2. Move it before the subject: Place the auxiliary at the front.
  3. Keep the rest of the sentence the same: The main verb and objects stay in order.

Common Auxiliary Verbs

Examples

Statement: You are happy.
Question: Are you happy?

Statement: She has finished her work.
Question: Has she finished her work?

Statement: They will go to the party.
Question: Will they go to the party?

Statement: He can swim.
Question: Can he swim?

No Auxiliary Verb?

If the statement has only a main verb (present or past simple), add do, does, or did.

Present Simple:
Statement: You like pizza.
Question: Do you like pizza?

Past Simple:
Statement: She went to the store.
Question: Did she go to the store?

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