A0 Sentence Structure 12 min read Easy

Yes & No — Simple Answers

Master Yes, I am and No, I'm not to confidently answer basic English questions.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

English uses 'Yes' and 'No' to answer questions, but adding the subject and verb makes you sound much more natural.

  • Use 'Yes' for positive and 'No' for negative answers. Example: 'Yes, I am.'
  • Always put a comma after Yes or No when writing. Example: 'No, thank you.'
  • Match the verb in the answer to the verb in the question. Example: 'Do you...? Yes, I do.'
Yes/No + [,] + Subject + Auxiliary Verb

Overview

Some questions only need Yes or No. One word is rude.

To be polite, say more than just Yes or No.

We will learn to use am, is, and are. This helps.

Use the same am, is, or are from the question.

How This Grammar Works

Do not say every word again. It is too long.
Use the person and the am, is, or are word.
This shows you understand. It is a good, short answer.
Use the right word. Do not say Yes, I do.
The right way to say it is Yes, I am.

Word Order Rules

You must put the words in a special order.
The Affirmative Pattern:
For Yes: Yes + person or thing + am, is, are.
  • Yes, I am.
  • Yes, she is.
  • Yes, they are.
The Negative Pattern:
For No: No + person or thing + is not.
  • No, I'm not.
  • No, he isn't. or No, he is not.
  • No, we aren't. or No, we are not.
Use words like he or it instead of names.
Do not say the name again. It sounds strange.
Put a , after Yes. Put a dot at the end.

Formation Pattern

1
Look at the question. If they ask you, answer I.
2
The words for the person change in the answer.
3
| Question | Person | Yes Answer | Short No | Long No |
4
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
5
| Am I late? | you | Yes, you are. | No, you aren't. | No, you are not. |
6
| Are you ready? (to one person) | I | Yes, I am. | No, I'm not. | No, I am not. |
7
| Is he American? | he | Yes, he is. | No, he isn't. | No, he is not. |
8
| Is she a doctor? | she | Yes, she is. | No, she isn't. | No, she is not. |
9
| Is it cold outside? | it | Yes, it is. | No, it isn't. | No, it is not. |
10
| Are we on time? | you | Yes, you are. | No, you aren't. | No, you are not. |
11
| Are you lost? (to a group) | we | Yes, we are. | No, we aren't. | No, we are not. |
12
| Are they students? | they | Yes, they are. | No, they aren't. | No, they are not. |
13
How to make these words shorter.
14
Short words like isn't are common. Long words are formal.
15
Say I'm not. Never say amn't. It is not a word.
16
Do not use short words for Yes. Say Yes, I am.

When To Use It

These answers are very common. They help you talk better.
  • Confirming or Denying Information: This is the most direct and common use. It is for situations where a factual Yes or No is required, and the short answer format makes the response polite and complete. For example, a colleague might ask, Is the meeting at 10 AM? and you would reply, Yes, it is. Or in a cafe: Is this seat free? — No, it isn't.
  • Responding to Offers, Requests, and Invitations: Short answers are fundamental to navigating social interactions. When someone asks, Are you available for a call this afternoon?, a reply of Yes, I am. or No, I'm not. is the standard, polite way to respond before adding more details, such as What time works for you?
  • Managing Conversational Flow: In group discussions or meetings, short answers are used to give quick agreement or disagreement without interrupting the speaker at length. For instance, a presenter might ask, Is this slide clear to everyone? and receive a chorus of Yes, it is. This signals comprehension and allows the conversation to proceed efficiently.
  • Formal vs. Informal Contexts: While contractions like isn't and aren't are common in most situations, there are rare contexts where the full form (is not, are not) is preferred. This is usually reserved for very formal or legal documents, or when a speaker wishes to add strong emphasis to their denial. For a learner, using contractions in negative answers is almost always the correct and most natural-sounding choice.

Common Mistakes

Students make mistakes. Knowing them helps you speak well.
  • Mistake 1: The Abrupt Yes or No: In many cultures, a simple Yes or No is a perfectly polite response. However, in most English-speaking contexts, a lone Yes or No in conversation can be interpreted as curt, impatient, or even rude. It can signal a desire to end the conversation. Adding the short answer (...I am, ...it isn't) softens the response and shows engagement.
  • Mistake 2: Mismatched Verbs: This is a critical grammatical error. A question using a be verb must be answered with a be verb.
  • Question: Are you tired?
  • Incorrect Answer: *Yes, I do.
  • Correct Answer: Yes, I am.
Listen to the first word. Use it in your answer.
  • Mistake 3: Pronoun Errors: Learners sometimes forget to change the pronoun or use the wrong one.
  • Question: Are you Ms. Evans?
  • Incorrect Answer: *Yes, you are. (This confirms that the person asking is Ms. Evans).
  • Correct Answer: Yes, I am.
  • Question: Is your brother home?
  • Incorrect Answer: *Yes, my brother is. (Short answers require a pronoun).
  • Correct Answer: Yes, he is.
  • Mistake 4: Incorrect Contractions: There are two common contraction errors.
  • Affirmative Contractions: Yes, we're. or Yes, it's. This is always incorrect. Affirmative short answers must use the full verb form: Yes, we are., Yes, it is.
  • am not Contraction: *No, I amn't. This is not standard English. The correct form is No, I'm not.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Learn the Yes/No pattern. It is different from other answers.
  • Contrast 1: Short Answers vs. Full Sentence Answers
Use short answers for yes or no. Use long sentences for details.
  • Short Answer (Confirmation): Is she a manager? — Yes, she is.
  • Full Answer (New Information): Is she a manager? — Yes, she is the new head of the marketing department.
  • Contrast 2: Answers with be vs. Answers with do
Use words from the question. 'Be' talks about people and places.
Use 'do' or 'does' for actions or habits.
  • be: Are you happy? -> Yes, I am. (State of being)
  • do: Do you feel happy? -> Yes, I do. (Action of feeling)
  • be: Is he the CEO? -> Yes, he is. (Identity)
  • do: Does he work here? -> Yes, he does. (Action)
  • Contrast 3: Formal vs. Informal Affirmations/Denials
People use many words for 'Yes'. Use 'Yes' and 'No' for now.
  • Formal/Neutral: Yes, No.
  • Informal Affirmative: Yeah, Yep, Yup.
  • Informal Negative: Nope.
  • Very Informal (Spoken Sounds): Uh-huh (affirmative), Uh-uh (negative).
Always use 'Yes, I am'. 'Nope' is bad for work.

Real Conversations

Observing short answers in authentic contexts helps clarify their use. Notice how they facilitate smooth, natural-sounding dialogue.

S

Scenario 1

A Student Asking for Directions on Campus

- Student A: Excuse me, is this the library?

- Student B: No, it isn't. The library is that big building over there.

- Student A: Oh, I see. Are you a student here?

- Student B: Yes, I am. It’s my first year.

S

Scenario 2

Text Message Exchange Between Friends

- Alex: hey, party at my place tonight. are you free?

- Ben: No, I'm not. So sorry, have to study for an exam.

- Alex: bummer. is Chloe coming?

- Ben: Yes, she is. she told me she was earlier.

S

Scenario 3

During a Professional Video Conference

- Team Lead: Okay, moving on to the quarterly results. John, are you ready with your presentation?

- John: Yes, I am. Let me just share my screen.

- ... Later ...

- Team Lead: Is that the final version of the report?

- Maria: No, it isn't. I'm still waiting for the final data from sales.

Quick FAQ

Q: Is it always rude to answer with only Yes or No?

Not always, but it is a significant risk in conversation. It can make you sound disinterested or annoyed. In non-verbal contexts, like filling out a web form or answering a survey with checkboxes, a simple Yes or No is expected. In conversation, the short answer is the safer, more polite default.

Q: Can I say 'Yes, she's'?

The grammatical reason is that the verb in a short answer is meant to be stressed to provide emphasis and finality. Yes, she IS. The contracted form she's is unstressed and grammatically incomplete in this specific structure. This rule applies to all affirmative short answers (we're, they're, etc.).

Q: How do I answer questions with 'not'?

This is a common point of confusion. You should answer based on the reality of the situation, not the grammar of the question. If you are cold, the answer is Yes, I am. If you are not cold, the answer is No, I'm not. The Yes or No refers to the fact, not the question's wording.

Q: Is the rule the same for the past?

Yes, the principle of echoing the auxiliary verb is exactly the same for all tenses and verbs. For example: Were you at the party? -> Yes, I was. or No, I wasn't. And Can you help? -> Yes, I can. or No, I can't. Learning the be-verb pattern now builds the foundation for all of these.

Q: Can I say 'I am' without the word 'Yes'?

Yes, this is a common and even more abbreviated response type used in casual speech (Are you ready? — I am.). It functions similarly to a full short answer. However, as a learner, it is best to master and use the full Yes, I am pattern first, as it is clearer, more explicit, and always grammatically correct.

2. Common Contractions in Negative Answers

Full Form Contraction Usage Note
do not
don't
Very common in speech
does not
doesn't
Used for 3rd person singular
is not
isn't
Standard negative for 'be'
are not
aren't
Standard negative for plural 'be'
cannot
can't
Standard negative for ability

Short Answer Patterns

Question Start Affirmative Answer Negative Answer
Are you...?
Yes, I am.
No, I'm not.
Is he/she/it...?
Yes, he/she/it is.
No, he/she/it isn't.
Are they...?
Yes, they are.
No, they aren't.
Do you...?
Yes, I do.
No, I don't.
Does he/she/it...?
Yes, he/she/it does.
No, he/she/it doesn't.
Can you...?
Yes, I can.
No, I can't.

Meanings

The fundamental way to provide an affirmative or negative response to a closed-ended question (a question that can be answered with a simple choice between two poles).

1

Basic Polarity

Using the standalone words to indicate agreement or disagreement.

“Yes.”

“No.”

2

Standard Short Answer

The grammatically complete way to answer without repeating the whole sentence.

“Yes, I do.”

“No, he isn't.”

3

Informal Affirmation/Negation

Casual variations used with friends or in relaxed environments.

“Yeah.”

“Nope.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Yes & No — Simple Answers
Form Structure Example
Affirmative (Be)
Yes, [Subject] [am/is/are].
Yes, I am.
Negative (Be)
No, [Subject] [am/is/are] not.
No, she isn't.
Affirmative (Do)
Yes, [Subject] [do/does].
Yes, they do.
Negative (Do)
No, [Subject] [don't/doesn't].
No, I don't.
Affirmative (Can)
Yes, [Subject] can.
Yes, we can.
Negative (Can)
No, [Subject] can't.
No, he can't.
Informal Affirmative
Yeah / Yup / Yep
Yeah, sure.
Informal Negative
Nah / Nope
Nope, sorry.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Yes, that is correct.

Yes, that is correct. (Identity check)

Neutral
Yes, I am.

Yes, I am. (Identity check)

Informal
Yeah.

Yeah. (Identity check)

Slang
Yas / You bet.

Yas / You bet. (Identity check)

The Anatomy of a Short Answer

Short Answer

Affirmative

  • Yes The marker
  • Subject I, you, he...
  • Auxiliary do, is, can

Negative

  • No The marker
  • Subject I, you, he...
  • Contraction don't, isn't

Formal vs. Informal Answers

Formal/Neutral
Yes, I am. Standard
No, thank you. Polite
Informal
Yeah. Casual
Nah. Very casual

Choosing the Right Verb

1

Does the question start with 'Do'?

YES
Use 'do/does' in the answer.
NO
Check for 'Be' or 'Can'.
2

Does the question start with 'Is/Are'?

YES
Use 'am/is/are' in the answer.
NO
Use the modal provided (e.g., Can).

Answer Categories

😊

Polite

  • • Yes, please
  • • No, thank you
  • • Yes, of course
🎯

Direct

  • • Yes, I do
  • • No, I don't
  • • Yes, it is
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Examples by Level

1

Yes, please.

2

No, thank you.

3

Are you a student? Yes, I am.

4

Is it hot? No, it isn't.

1

Do you live here? Yes, I do.

2

Can you help me? No, I can't. Sorry!

3

Does he speak English? Yes, he does.

4

Are they coming? No, they aren't.

1

Is it going to rain? I think so.

2

Did you see the news? No, I didn't.

3

Have you finished? Yes, I have.

4

Would you like some tea? I'd love some, thanks.

1

Will you be attending the gala? Certainly.

2

Is this seat taken? By all means, sit down.

3

Do you mind if I smoke? Actually, I do.

4

Was the movie good? Not particularly.

1

Is the project feasible? Indubitably.

2

Did he apologize? Not as such.

3

Are you coming to the party? I might well do.

4

Has the situation improved? Hardly.

1

Is there any hope left? None whatsoever.

2

Will they agree to the terms? I should think not.

3

Are you ready? Ready as I'll ever be.

4

Did you enjoy the opera? I can't say that I did.

Easily Confused

Yes & No — Simple Answers vs Yeah vs. Yes

Learners use 'Yeah' in formal writing or 'Yes' in very casual slang contexts.

Yes & No — Simple Answers vs Do vs. Be in answers

Using 'I am' for 'Do' questions.

Yes & No — Simple Answers vs Negative Questions

Answering 'Yes' to 'Don't you...?' when you mean 'No'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Yes, I'm.

✓

Yes, I am.

We never use contractions in affirmative short answers.
✗

Are you happy? Yes, you are.

✓

Are you happy? Yes, I am.

If the question is 'Are you...?', the answer must be 'I am'.
✗

Do you like it? Yes, I like.

✓

Do you like it? Yes, I do.

In English, we use the auxiliary verb 'do', not the main verb 'like'.
✗

No I don't.

✓

No, I don't.

Missing the comma after 'No'.
✗

Does he play? Yes, he do.

✓

Does he play? Yes, he does.

The verb must agree with the subject (he/she/it uses 'does').
✗

Can you swim? Yes, I do.

✓

Can you swim? Yes, I can.

You must match the modal 'can' from the question.
✗

Is it raining? No, it not.

✓

Is it raining? No, it isn't.

You need the verb 'is' in the negative answer.
✗

Don't you like it? Yes.

✓

Don't you like it? No, I don't. (if you dislike it)

Answering negative questions can be tricky; 'No' confirms the negative.
✗

Are you coming? I'm.

✓

Are you coming? I am.

Even at high levels, the 'no contraction in affirmative short answers' rule applies.

Sentence Patterns

Yes, I ___.

No, it ___.

Yes, they ___.

No, we ___.

Real World Usage

At a Coffee Shop constant

Do you want sugar? No, thank you.

Airport Immigration very common

Is this your bag? Yes, it is.

Texting a Friend constant

U coming? Yeah.

Job Interview occasional

Can you start Monday? Yes, I can.

Doctor's Appointment common

Does it hurt here? No, it doesn't.

Ordering Pizza App common

Add extra cheese? [Yes] [No]

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💡

The 'First Word' Trick

Always look at the first word of the question. If it's 'Do', your answer needs 'do'. If it's 'Is', your answer needs 'is'.
⚠️

Avoid 'Yes, I'm'

It sounds very strange to native speakers. Always say 'Yes, I am' in full.
🎯

Politeness Add-ons

If you only want to say one word, always add 'please' or 'thanks' to avoid sounding rude.
💬

Yeah is everywhere

In daily life, you will hear 'Yeah' 90% of the time. Don't be afraid to use it with friends!

Smart Tips

Listen to the very first word the other person says. That word is almost always the one you need for your answer.

Question: 'CAN you help?' Answer: 'Yes, I DO.' → Question: 'CAN you help?' Answer: 'Yes, I CAN.'

Use contractions for negative answers (don't, isn't) but never for affirmative ones.

No, I do not. → No, I don't.

Ignore the 'not' in their question. Answer based on the facts. If you like it, say 'Yes, I do'.

Don't you like it? Yes (confusing). → Don't you like it? No, I don't (clear).

Add a small phrase after your short answer, like 'thanks' or 'I'm afraid'.

No. → No, I'm afraid not.

Pronunciation

/jɛs | aɪ æm/

The Comma Pause

When saying 'Yes, I am', there is a tiny, almost invisible pause after 'Yes'.

Yes, I DO.

Emphasis on the Verb

In short answers, the stress usually falls on the auxiliary verb.

Falling Intonation

Yes. ↘

Finality, certainty, or sometimes boredom.

Rising Intonation

Yes? ↗

Asking for more information or expressing surprise.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember 'Y-S-V': Yes, Subject, Verb. It's the golden trio for every answer.

Visual Association

Imagine a mirror. The question looks into the mirror, and the answer is the reflection. If the question shows a 'Do', the answer must reflect a 'Do'.

Rhyme

If it starts with 'Do', then 'do' is for you. If it starts with 'Is', then 'is' is his!

Story

A traveler named Yesman always answers with three words because he wants to be three times as polite. When asked 'Do you have a passport?', he doesn't just say 'Yes', he says 'Yes, I do' to show he's a pro.

Word Web

YesNoYeahNahNopeDoDon'tAm

Challenge

Go through your day and answer every question you hear (even in your head) using the full short answer: 'Yes, I do' or 'No, I don't'.

Cultural Notes

British speakers often use 'I have' or 'I haven't' for possession, whereas Americans use 'I do' or 'I don't'.

In Ireland, people often avoid 'Yes' and 'No' and instead repeat the verb from the question.

Americans use 'Yeah' very frequently in neutral settings, more so than in some other English-speaking cultures.

The word 'Yes' comes from Old English 'gēse', meaning 'may it be so'. 'No' comes from 'nā', meaning 'never'.

Conversation Starters

“

Are you a coffee drinker?

“

Do you speak other languages?

“

Can you play the guitar?

“

Is it cold in your country right now?

Journal Prompts

Write 5 questions you would ask a new friend, and write the 'Yes' and 'No' answers for them.
Describe a time you had to say 'No' to someone. Why did you say it?
Do you think it is harder to say 'Yes' or 'No' in life? Explain your answer.
Write a dialogue between a polite waiter and a very difficult customer using only short answers.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct short answer. Multiple Choice

Do you like pizza?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, I do.
The question starts with 'Do', so the answer must use 'do'.
Fill in the missing word.

Is he a doctor? No, he ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: isn't
The question uses 'Is', so the negative answer uses 'isn't'.
Find the mistake in the answer. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Can you swim? Yes, I'm.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, I can.
You must match the modal 'can' and avoid contractions in affirmative answers.
Match the question to the correct answer. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Yes I am, 2-No I don't, 3-Yes she can
Each answer matches the auxiliary verb of its question.
Put the words in the correct order for a short answer. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, they do.
The order is Marker + Comma + Subject + Verb.
Choose the most polite response. Multiple Choice

Would you like some more water?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No, thank you.
'No, thank you' is the standard polite way to decline an offer.
Fill in the blank.

Are they from London? Yes, they ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: are
'They' requires the plural verb 'are'.
Correct the answer. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Does she like cats? Yes, she do.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, she does.
'She' requires the third-person singular 'does'.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct short answer. Multiple Choice

Do you like pizza?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, I do.
The question starts with 'Do', so the answer must use 'do'.
Fill in the missing word.

Is he a doctor? No, he ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: isn't
The question uses 'Is', so the negative answer uses 'isn't'.
Find the mistake in the answer. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Can you swim? Yes, I'm.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, I can.
You must match the modal 'can' and avoid contractions in affirmative answers.
Match the question to the correct answer. Match Pairs

1. Are you tired? 2. Do you smoke? 3. Can she drive?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Yes I am, 2-No I don't, 3-Yes she can
Each answer matches the auxiliary verb of its question.
Put the words in the correct order for a short answer. Sentence Reorder

do / Yes / they / ,

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, they do.
The order is Marker + Comma + Subject + Verb.
Choose the most polite response. Multiple Choice

Would you like some more water?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No, thank you.
'No, thank you' is the standard polite way to decline an offer.
Fill in the blank.

Are they from London? Yes, they ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: are
'They' requires the plural verb 'are'.
Correct the answer. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Does she like cats? Yes, she do.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, she does.
'She' requires the third-person singular 'does'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct form Fill in the Blank

Are they students? Yes, they ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: are
Find and fix the mistake Error Correction

Is it big? Yes, it is big.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, it is.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Are you thirsty?
Type the correct English sentence Translation

Translate into English: 'No, no estamos listos.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["No, we are not ready.","No, we aren't ready."]
Put the words in order Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Are you hungry?
Match each subject with its verb form Match Pairs

Match the subjects with the correct form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choose the correct form Fill in the Blank

Is it a good idea? No, it ___ not.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
Find and fix the mistake Error Correction

Are she beautiful? Yes, she is.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Is she beautiful? Yes, she is.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No, we aren't.
Type the correct English sentence Translation

Translate into English: 'Ella no está aquí.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["She is not here.","She isn't here."]
Put the words in order Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Are they happy?
Match each question starter with its correct pronoun in a short answer Match Pairs

Match the question starter with the pronoun in the answer:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Yes, you can, but it can sound a bit blunt or rude. Adding the subject and verb (e.g., `Yes, I do`) makes you sound more polite and fluent.

In English, we don't end sentences with stressed contractions. You must use the full form `Yes, I am` or `Yes, he is`.

`Yeah` is informal and used with friends. `Yes` is neutral/formal and safer for work or strangers.

Use 'have' in the answer! For example: 'Have you seen it?' -> `Yes, I have` or `No, I haven't`.

Yes, it is a very common informal version of 'No'. Use it with friends, but never in a formal letter or interview.

Instead of 'Yes' or 'No', you can say `Maybe`, `I'm not sure`, or `I think so`.

In writing, yes. It separates the marker from the rest of the sentence. Example: `No, thank you.`

It is a short answer to the question 'Do you take this person...?' It follows the same rule we are learning!

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Sí / No

English uses helper verbs (do/be) in short answers; Spanish usually doesn't.

French moderate

Oui / Non / Si

French uses 'Si' for contradicting negatives; English uses 'Yes' with emphasis.

German moderate

Ja / Nein / Doch

German uses 'Doch' for affirmative answers to negative questions.

Japanese low

Hai / Iie

Japanese 'Yes' confirms the statement; English 'Yes' confirms the fact.

Arabic partial

Na'am / La / Bala

Arabic has a dedicated word for affirmative answers to negative questions.

Chinese none

Shì / Bù shì

Chinese repeats the main verb; English uses auxiliary verbs.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
I, You, It — Your First Pronouns
Next
Numbers 0-10: The Basics of Counting

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B2

Existential 'There' (There is / There are)

Overview The existential `there` construction, as in `There is a problem` or `There are two options`, is one of the most...
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