Teach: Be Verb ③ Questions and Answers

Be Verb ③ Questions and Answers

To ask whether something “is,” simply move the be verb before the subject. The change in word order signals a question.

Basic Rules

The word order of a question is “be verb + subject + complement?” Move the verb to the beginning, as in Am I 〜? / Is he 〜? / Are you 〜? When answering, follow Yes / No by repeating “subject + be verb.” In ordinary usage, use the same person for the subject, such as “I → I” and “he → he.” Contractions cannot be used after Yes, but they can be used after No, as in No, he isn't.

Important Points

① Change the subject in the answer to match the subject of the question. If someone asks “Are you 〜?”, answer with “I.” If someone asks “Is your sister 〜?”, answer with “she.”
② Do not use a contraction in a Yes answer (×Yes, I'm. → ○Yes, I am.). This is because the be verb after Yes is emphasized.
③ In Wh-questions (What / Where / Who, etc.), use the word order “Wh-word + be verb + subject?” For example, “Where are you from?”

Practice

1. Write “Are you tired?” in English and answer it both Yes and No.
2. Answer “Is he Japanese?” with “No, he isn't” using a contraction.
3. Write “Where are they?” in English.