Formation of Short Answers :





Spcial verbs, as you have seen, have a very important part in the formation of negatives and questions. Another important function of these special verbs is their use in short answers.

It is not usual to give full answers to questions in Englsih.

For example, if you are asked the question “Are you going tcschool?” You should not say, “Yes. I am going to school”, “No. I am not going to school. “

This type of answer would be very formal and unnatural. You should say, “Yes. I am.” Or “No. I’m not.” or just “Yes” or “No”

The following is the most usual form of short answers to YES - NO quesiton : yes + pronoun +special verb

Or : no + pronoun + special verb + n’t

Exampels :

Have you a pencil?

Yes, I have.

No, I haven’t.



Is he honest?

Yes, he is.

No, he isn’t.



Was the train late?

Yes, it was.

No, it wasn’t.



Do you know Urdu?

Yes, I do.

No, idon’t.



Did Tom come again?

Yes, he did.

No, he didin’t.



Will Rupa pass the exam?

Yes, she will.

No, she won’t.



You must have noticed that the special verb which is used in the short answer is the same verb with which the question begins. If the subject of the question is a noun, its pronoun form is used in short answers.

Short answers can also be used to express agreement and disagreement.

Statement………….agreement

Tom is lazy………Yes. He is

We can with the match……..Yes. We can

Gita sang well. ……..Yes. She did



Statement……….disagreement

Tom is lazy………No. He isn’t

You are joking……………No. I am not.

She likes him…………..No. She doesn’t






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