Study materials
English rarely answers a yes or no question with just yes or no. It is more natural to repeat the subject and the helping verb.
Do you like tea? Yes, I do.
Is it far? No, it isn't.
This article explains which word a short answer repeats, how a no answer is formed, why a yes answer is never shortened, and how to answer an offer.
Which word the answer repeats
When answering, English does not repeat the whole sentence. The subject and the word the question starts with are enough.
Is she ready? Yes, she is.
Do you like tea? Yes, I do.
Can he swim? No, he can't.
Here are the words such questions most often start with, and the answers to them.
| Question with | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| am, is, are | Yes, I am. | No, it isn't. |
| was, were | Yes, it was. | No, they weren't. |
| do, does | Yes, I do. | No, she doesn't. |
| did | Yes, we did. | No, I didn't. |
| have, has | Yes, I have. | No, he hasn't. |
| can | Yes, she can. | No, I can't. |
| will | Yes, I will. | No, it won't. |
The no answer and short forms
In a no answer, not joins that same word, which gives isn't, aren't, don't, doesn't and can't. Am not is shortened together with I, as I'm not.
Is your sister at home? No, she isn't.
Does he eat meat? No, he doesn't.
Are you cold? No, I'm not.
A yes answer is never shortened, because its last word is stressed. The main verb is not repeated in place of the helper either.
Yes, I'm. → Yes, I am.
Yes, I like. → Yes, I do.
How to answer an offer
To an offer such as Do you want some cake? or Would you like some tea?, it is natural to say Yes, please or No, thank you. The short answer Yes, I do also works. Yes, I want sounds cut off, because want needs what is wanted after it.
Do you want some cake? Yes, please.
Yes, I want. → Yes, I do.
Common mistakes
The first mistake is the wrong helping verb.
Are you ready? Yes, I do. → Yes, I am.
The question starts with are.
The second mistake is a short form in a yes answer.
Yes, I'll. → Yes, I will.
The last word is said in full.
The third mistake is the main verb instead of the helping verb.
Do you like tea? Yes, I like. → Yes, I do.
The answer repeats do.
The first mistake shows at the start of the question. Whatever word stands there is repeated, so are is answered with am, not do. The second shows at the end of a yes answer. It is never shortened, so I am and I will. The third shows in the answer itself. It does not repeat the main verb but uses the helping verb.