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Forming questions that can be answered with yes or no.
Practice: build the sentences →Yes/no questions normally ask whether a proposition is true and can usually be answered with yes or no.
They are commonly formed by placing an auxiliary or modal before the subject.
Are you ready?
Ты готов?
"Are" comes before the subject in a yes/no question.
Is she a doctor?
Она врач?
"Is" comes before the subject in a yes/no question.
Can you swim?
Ты умеешь плавать?
"Can" comes before the subject in a yes/no question.
Do you like coffee?
Ты любишь кофе?
"Do" comes before the subject in a yes/no question.
Did they arrive?
Они прибыли?
"Did" comes before the subject in a yes/no question.
Have you finished?
Ты закончил?
"Have" comes before the subject in a yes/no question.
Will she come?
Она придёт?
"Will" comes before the subject in a yes/no question.
Are they playing?
Они играют?
"Are" comes before the subject in a yes/no question.
In ordinary yes/no questions, the first auxiliary normally comes before the subject.
For example, Is she ready?, Has he arrived?, and Will they come?
Is she ready?
Она готова?
The auxiliary "Is" comes before the subject "she".
Has he arrived?
Он прибыл?
The auxiliary "Has" comes before the subject "he".
Will they come?
Они придут?
The auxiliary "Will" comes before the subject "they".
Can you help?
Ты можешь помочь?
The modal "Can" comes before the subject "you".
Are we late?
Мы опоздали?
The auxiliary "Are" comes before the subject "we".
Have they left?
Они ушли?
The auxiliary "Have" comes before the subject "they".
Should I stay?
Мне следует остаться?
The modal "Should" comes before the subject "I".
Was it raining?
Шёл дождь?
The auxiliary "Was" comes before the subject "it".
When there is no auxiliary in a present simple question, do or does is used before the subject.
For example, Do you work here? and Does she live nearby?
Do you work here?
Ты работаешь здесь?
"Do" is used before the subject in a present simple question.
Does she live nearby?
Она живёт рядом?
"Does" is used before the subject in a present simple question.
Do they know the answer?
Они знают ответ?
"Do" is used before the subject in a present simple question.
Does he like coffee?
Он любит кофе?
"Does" is used before the subject in a present simple question.
Do we need a reservation?
Нам нужно бронирование?
"Do" is used before the subject in a present simple question.
Does it work?
Это работает?
"Does" is used before the subject in a present simple question.
Do you speak English?
Ты говоришь по-английски?
"Do" is used before the subject in a present simple question.
Does she have a car?
У неё есть машина?
"Does" is used before the subject in a present simple question.
When there is no auxiliary in a past simple question, did is used before the subject.
For example, Did you see him? and Did they arrive on time?
Did you see him?
Ты его видел?
"Did" is used before the subject in a past simple question.
Did they arrive on time?
Они прибыли вовремя?
"Did" is used before the subject in a past simple question.
Did she call you?
Она тебе звонила?
"Did" is used before the subject in a past simple question.
Did he finish the work?
Он закончил работу?
"Did" is used before the subject in a past simple question.
Did you like the film?
Тебе понравился фильм?
"Did" is used before the subject in a past simple question.
Did they enjoy the party?
Им понравилась вечеринка?
"Did" is used before the subject in a past simple question.
Did we meet before?
Мы встречались раньше?
"Did" is used before the subject in a past simple question.
Did it rain yesterday?
Вчера шёл дождь?
"Did" is used before the subject in a past simple question.
After do or does in a present simple question, the main verb normally appears in its base form.
For example, Does she work here? not Does she works here?
Does she work here?
Она работает здесь?
The main verb "work" is in the base form after "does".
Do they live nearby?
Они живут рядом?
The main verb "live" is in the base form after "do".
Does he like coffee?
Он любит кофе?
The main verb "like" is in the base form after "does".
Do you speak English?
Ты говоришь по-английски?
The main verb "speak" is in the base form after "do".
Does it work?
Это работает?
The main verb "work" is in the base form after "does".
Do we need a reservation?
Нам нужно бронирование?
The main verb "need" is in the base form after "do".
Does she have a car?
У неё есть машина?
The main verb "have" is in the base form after "does".
Do they know the answer?
Они знают ответ?
The main verb "know" is in the base form after "do".
After did in a past simple question, the main verb normally appears in its base form.
For example, Did she go home? not Did she went home?
Did she go home?
Она пошла домой?
The main verb "go" is in the base form after "did".
Did you see him?
Ты его видел?
The main verb "see" is in the base form after "did".
Did they arrive on time?
Они прибыли вовремя?
The main verb "arrive" is in the base form after "did".
Did he finish the work?
Он закончил работу?
The main verb "finish" is in the base form after "did".
Did you like the film?
Тебе понравился фильм?
The main verb "like" is in the base form after "did".
Did they enjoy the party?
Им понравилась вечеринка?
The main verb "enjoy" is in the base form after "did".
Did we meet before?
Мы встречались раньше?
The main verb "meet" is in the base form after "did".
Did it rain yesterday?
Вчера шёл дождь?
The main verb "rain" is in the base form after "did".
Be forms yes/no questions by moving the appropriate form of be before the subject.
For example, Are you ready?, Was she late?, and Were they invited?
Are you ready?
Ты готов?
The form of "be" moves before the subject.
Was she late?
Она опоздала?
The form of "be" moves before the subject.
Were they invited?
Они были приглашены?
The form of "be" moves before the subject.
Is he a doctor?
Он врач?
The form of "be" moves before the subject.
Are we late?
Мы опоздали?
The form of "be" moves before the subject.
Was it raining?
Шёл дождь?
The form of "be" moves before the subject.
Is she working?
Она работает?
The form of "be" moves before the subject.
Are they ready?
Они готовы?
The form of "be" moves before the subject.
Modal verbs form yes/no questions by moving the modal before the subject.
For example, Can you swim?, Should we leave?, and Could she help us?
Can you swim?
Ты умеешь плавать?
The modal "Can" moves before the subject.
Should we leave?
Нам следует уйти?
The modal "Should" moves before the subject.
Could she help us?
Она могла бы нам помочь?
The modal "Could" moves before the subject.
Will they come?
Они придут?
The modal "Will" moves before the subject.
May I come in?
Можно войти?
The modal "May" moves before the subject.
Must I stay?
Я должен остаться?
The modal "Must" moves before the subject.
Would you like tea?
Хочешь чаю?
The modal "Would" moves before the subject.
Can he drive?
Он умеет водить?
The modal "Can" moves before the subject.
Present progressive questions are formed by placing the appropriate form of be before the subject.
For example, Are you working? and Is she waiting outside?
Are you working?
Ты работаешь?
The form of "be" is placed before the subject in a present progressive question.
Is she waiting outside?
Она ждёт снаружи?
The form of "be" is placed before the subject in a present progressive question.
Are they playing football?
Они играют в футбол?
The form of "be" is placed before the subject in a present progressive question.
Is he studying?
Он учится?
The form of "be" is placed before the subject in a present progressive question.
Are we going the right way?
Мы идём в правильном направлении?
The form of "be" is placed before the subject in a present progressive question.
Is it raining?
Идёт дождь?
The form of "be" is placed before the subject in a present progressive question.
Are you listening?
Ты слушаешь?
The form of "be" is placed before the subject in a present progressive question.
Is she cooking dinner?
Она готовит ужин?
The form of "be" is placed before the subject in a present progressive question.
Past progressive questions are formed by placing was or were before the subject.
For example, Was he sleeping? and Were they waiting for us?
Was he sleeping?
Он спал?
"Was" is placed before the subject in a past progressive question.
Were they waiting for us?
Они ждали нас?
"Were" is placed before the subject in a past progressive question.
Was she working?
Она работала?
"Was" is placed before the subject in a past progressive question.
Were you listening?
Ты слушал?
"Were" is placed before the subject in a past progressive question.
Was it raining?
Шёл дождь?
"Was" is placed before the subject in a past progressive question.
Were they playing?
Они играли?
"Were" is placed before the subject in a past progressive question.
Was he driving?
Он вёл машину?
"Was" is placed before the subject in a past progressive question.
Were we talking too loudly?
Мы говорили слишком громко?
"Were" is placed before the subject in a past progressive question.
Present perfect questions are formed by placing have or has before the subject.
For example, Have you finished? and Has she arrived?
Have you finished?
Ты закончил?
"Have" is placed before the subject in a present perfect question.
Has she arrived?
Она прибыла?
"Has" is placed before the subject in a present perfect question.
Have they left?
Они ушли?
"Have" is placed before the subject in a present perfect question.
Has he eaten?
Он поел?
"Has" is placed before the subject in a present perfect question.
Have we met before?
Мы встречались раньше?
"Have" is placed before the subject in a present perfect question.
Has it stopped raining?
Дождь прекратился?
"Has" is placed before the subject in a present perfect question.
Have you seen this film?
Ты видел этот фильм?
"Have" is placed before the subject in a present perfect question.
Has she finished her homework?
Она закончила домашнюю работу?
"Has" is placed before the subject in a present perfect question.
Past perfect questions are formed by placing had before the subject.
For example, Had they already left?
Had they already left?
Они уже ушли?
"Had" is placed before the subject in a past perfect question.
Had she finished the report?
Она закончила отчёт?
"Had" is placed before the subject in a past perfect question.
Had you seen him before?
Ты видел его раньше?
"Had" is placed before the subject in a past perfect question.
Had it stopped raining?
Дождь прекратился?
"Had" is placed before the subject in a past perfect question.
Had we met before?
Мы встречались раньше?
"Had" is placed before the subject in a past perfect question.
Had he eaten before the meeting?
Он поел перед собранием?
"Had" is placed before the subject in a past perfect question.
Had they arrived by noon?
Они прибыли к полудню?
"Had" is placed before the subject in a past perfect question.
Had she called you?
Она тебе звонила?
"Had" is placed before the subject in a past perfect question.
Will forms yes/no questions by occurring before the subject.
For example, Will you come tomorrow? and Will they be ready?
Will you come tomorrow?
Ты придёшь завтра?
"Will" occurs before the subject in a future yes/no question.
Will they be ready?
Они будут готовы?
"Will" occurs before the subject in a future yes/no question.
Will she call us?
Она нам позвонит?
"Will" occurs before the subject in a future yes/no question.
Will it rain?
Будет дождь?
"Will" occurs before the subject in a future yes/no question.
Will we meet again?
Мы встретимся снова?
"Will" occurs before the subject in a future yes/no question.
Will he help us?
Он нам поможет?
"Will" occurs before the subject in a future yes/no question.
Will you be at home?
Ты будешь дома?
"Will" occurs before the subject in a future yes/no question.
Will they finish on time?
Они закончат вовремя?
"Will" occurs before the subject in a future yes/no question.
Questions with be going to are formed by moving the appropriate form of be before the subject.
For example, Are you going to stay? and Is she going to apply?
Are you going to stay?
Ты собираешься остаться?
The form of "be" moves before the subject in a "be going to" question.
Is she going to apply?
Она собирается подать заявку?
The form of "be" moves before the subject in a "be going to" question.
Are they going to come?
Они собираются прийти?
The form of "be" moves before the subject in a "be going to" question.
Is he going to help?
Он собирается помочь?
The form of "be" moves before the subject in a "be going to" question.
Are we going to leave soon?
Мы собираемся скоро уйти?
The form of "be" moves before the subject in a "be going to" question.
Is it going to snow?
Будет снег?
The form of "be" moves before the subject in a "be going to" question.
Are you going to tell her?
Ты собираешься ей сказать?
The form of "be" moves before the subject in a "be going to" question.
Is she going to study medicine?
Она собирается изучать медицину?
The form of "be" moves before the subject in a "be going to" question.
When a clause contains multiple auxiliaries, the first auxiliary normally moves before the subject.
For example, Has she been working? and Will they have finished?
Has she been working?
Она работала?
The first auxiliary "Has" moves before the subject.
Will they have finished?
Они закончат?
The first auxiliary "Will" moves before the subject.
Has he been waiting long?
Он долго ждал?
The first auxiliary "Has" moves before the subject.
Would she have agreed?
Она бы согласилась?
The first auxiliary "Would" moves before the subject.
Will she have been working?
Она будет работать?
The first auxiliary "Will" moves before the subject.
Have they been waiting?
Они ждали?
The first auxiliary "Have" moves before the subject.
Could he have known?
Он мог знать?
The first auxiliary "Could" moves before the subject.
Should we have left earlier?
Нам следовало уйти раньше?
The first auxiliary "Should" moves before the subject.
The formation of questions with have depends on whether have is an auxiliary or an ordinary lexical verb and can vary across varieties and constructions.
For example, Have you finished? uses auxiliary have, while Do you have a car? commonly uses do-support in modern English.
Have you finished?
Ты закончил?
"Have" is an auxiliary in the present perfect question.
Do you have a car?
У тебя есть машина?
"Do-support" is used with "have" as a lexical possession verb.
Has she arrived?
Она прибыла?
"Has" is an auxiliary in the present perfect question.
Does he have a sister?
У него есть сестра?
"Does" is used with "have" as a lexical possession verb.
Have they left?
Они ушли?
"Have" is an auxiliary in the present perfect question.
Do they have any questions?
У них есть вопросы?
"Do" is used with "have" as a lexical possession verb.
Has it stopped raining?
Дождь прекратился?
"Has" is an auxiliary in the present perfect question.
Did you have a good time?
Ты хорошо провёл время?
"Did" is used with "have" as a lexical verb in the past simple.
Questions with used to are commonly formed with did and the base form use in contemporary English.
For example, Did you use to live here?
Did you use to live here?
Ты раньше жил здесь?
"Did" is used with the base form "use" in this question.
Did she use to work there?
Она раньше там работала?
"Did" is used with the base form "use" in this question.
Did they use to be friends?
Они раньше были друзьями?
"Did" is used with the base form "use" in this question.
Did he use to smoke?
Он раньше курил?
"Did" is used with the base form "use" in this question.
Did you use to play football?
Ты раньше играл в футбол?
"Did" is used with the base form "use" in this question.
Did we use to meet here?
Мы раньше здесь встречались?
"Did" is used with the base form "use" in this question.
Did it use to be a school?
Раньше это была школа?
"Did" is used with the base form "use" in this question.
Did she use to have long hair?
У неё раньше были длинные волосы?
"Did" is used with the base form "use" in this question.
Question formation with need depends on whether need functions as a lexical verb or a modal-like auxiliary in a particular variety or register.
For example, Do you need any help? is standard and widespread, while Need you say anything? is formal and uncommon.
Do you need any help?
Тебе нужна помощь?
"Do" is used with "need" as a lexical verb.
Need you say anything?
Тебе нужно что-то сказать?
"Need" functions as a modal-like auxiliary in this formal question.
Does she need a break?
Ей нужен перерыв?
"Does" is used with "need" as a lexical verb.
Need I stay longer?
Мне нужно остаться дольше?
"Need" functions as a modal-like auxiliary in this formal question.
Do they need more time?
Им нужно больше времени?
"Do" is used with "need" as a lexical verb.
Need we worry about it?
Нам нужно об этом беспокоиться?
"Need" functions as a modal-like auxiliary in this formal question.
Did you need to leave early?
Тебе нужно было уйти рано?
"Did" is used with "need" as a lexical verb in the past simple.
Need he be informed?
Нужно ли его информировать?
"Need" functions as a modal-like auxiliary in this formal question.
Dare can behave either as an ordinary verb or, in some varieties and formal constructions, as a modal-like auxiliary.
For example, Do you dare ask him? contrasts with Dare you ask him? in more marked usage.
Do you dare ask him?
Ты осмелишься его спросить?
"Dare" behaves as an ordinary verb with "do-support".
Dare you ask him?
Осмелишься ли ты его спросить?
"Dare" behaves as a modal-like auxiliary in this marked usage.
Does she dare to disagree?
Она осмеливается не соглашаться?
"Dare" behaves as an ordinary verb with "does".
Dare she disagree?
Осмелится ли она не согласиться?
"Dare" behaves as a modal-like auxiliary in this marked usage.
Did they dare to refuse?
Они осмелились отказаться?
"Dare" behaves as an ordinary verb with "did".
Dare they refuse?
Осмелятся ли они отказаться?
"Dare" behaves as a modal-like auxiliary in this marked usage.
Do we dare to try?
Мы осмеливаемся попробовать?
"Dare" behaves as an ordinary verb with "do".
Dare we try?
Осмелимся ли мы попробовать?
"Dare" behaves as a modal-like auxiliary in this marked usage.
Short answers normally repeat the relevant auxiliary or modal rather than the entire main verb phrase.
For example, Are you ready? Yes, I am. Did she leave? No, she did not.
Are you ready? Yes, I am.
Ты готов? Да.
The short answer repeats the auxiliary "am".
Did she leave? No, she did not.
Она ушла? Нет.
The short answer repeats the auxiliary "did" with "not".
Have they arrived? Yes, they have.
Они прибыли? Да.
The short answer repeats the auxiliary "have".
Can he swim? Yes, he can.
Он умеет плавать? Да.
The short answer repeats the modal "can".
Is she working? No, she is not.
Она работает? Нет.
The short answer repeats the auxiliary "is" with "not".
Will they come? Yes, they will.
Они придут? Да.
The short answer repeats the modal "will".
Do you like coffee? Yes, I do.
Ты любишь кофе? Да.
The short answer repeats the auxiliary "do".
Were you at home? No, I was not.
Ты был дома? Нет.
The short answer repeats the auxiliary "was" with "not".
Negative short answers normally use the relevant auxiliary or modal followed by not.
For example, No, I am not; No, she does not; and No, they cannot.
Are you ready? No, I am not.
Ты готов? Нет.
The negative short answer uses the auxiliary "am" with "not".
Did she leave? No, she did not.
Она ушла? Нет.
The negative short answer uses the auxiliary "did" with "not".
Have they arrived? No, they have not.
Они прибыли? Нет.
The negative short answer uses the auxiliary "have" with "not".
Can he swim? No, he cannot.
Он умеет плавать? Нет.
The negative short answer uses the modal "cannot".
Is she working? No, she is not.
Она работает? Нет.
The negative short answer uses the auxiliary "is" with "not".
Will they come? No, they will not.
Они придут? Нет.
The negative short answer uses the modal "will" with "not".
Do you like coffee? No, I do not.
Ты любишь кофе? Нет.
The negative short answer uses the auxiliary "do" with "not".
Were you at home? No, I was not.
Ты был дома? Нет.
The negative short answer uses the auxiliary "was" with "not".
Negative yes/no questions commonly use contracted forms such as isnt, arent, dont, doesnt, didnt, and wont in ordinary speech.
For example, Dont you know? and Wont they come?
Don't you know?
Разве ты не знаешь?
"Don't" is a contracted negative form in a yes/no question.
Won't they come?
Разве они не придут?
"Won't" is a contracted negative form in a yes/no question.
Isn't she ready?
Разве она не готова?
"Isn't" is a contracted negative form in a yes/no question.
Aren't you coming?
Разве ты не идёшь?
"Aren't" is a contracted negative form in a yes/no question.
Doesn't he work here?
Разве он здесь не работает?
"Doesn't" is a contracted negative form in a yes/no question.
Didn't she call?
Разве она не звонила?
"Didn't" is a contracted negative form in a yes/no question.
Haven't they left?
Разве они не ушли?
"Haven't" is a contracted negative form in a yes/no question.
Can't you help?
Разве ты не можешь помочь?
"Can't" is a contracted negative form in a yes/no question.
Full negative forms can make a question sound more formal, emphatic, or deliberate.
For example, Do you not understand? is more formal or marked than Dont you understand?
Do you not understand?
Разве вы не понимаете?
The full negative form "do not" sounds more formal or emphatic.
Is she not ready?
Разве она не готова?
The full negative form "is not" sounds more formal or emphatic.
Have they not arrived?
Разве они не прибыли?
The full negative form "have not" sounds more formal or emphatic.
Can you not swim?
Разве вы не умеете плавать?
The full negative form "can not" sounds more formal or emphatic.
Did she not call?
Разве она не звонила?
The full negative form "did not" sounds more formal or emphatic.
Will they not come?
Разве они не придут?
The full negative form "will not" sounds more formal or emphatic.
Are you not coming?
Разве ты не идёшь?
The full negative form "are not" sounds more formal or emphatic.
Does he not work here?
Разве он здесь не работает?
The full negative form "does not" sounds more formal or emphatic.
A yes/no question can be used to confirm something the speaker already expects or suspects.
For example, Are you coming with us? may simply request information, while You are coming with us, arent you? more strongly seeks confirmation.
Are you coming with us?
Ты идёшь с нами?
This is a neutral yes/no question requesting information.
You are coming with us, aren't you?
Ты ведь идёшь с нами?
This question tag seeks confirmation of what the speaker expects.
Is she ready?
Она готова?
This is a neutral yes/no question requesting information.
She is ready, isn't she?
Она ведь готова?
This question tag seeks confirmation of what the speaker expects.
Have they arrived?
Они прибыли?
This is a neutral yes/no question requesting information.
They have arrived, haven't they?
Они ведь прибыли?
This question tag seeks confirmation of what the speaker expects.
Did you call him?
Ты ему звонил?
This is a neutral yes/no question requesting information.
You called him, didn't you?
Ты ведь ему звонил?
This question tag seeks confirmation of what the speaker expects.
Yes/no questions can express surprise when the speaker did not expect the proposition to be true.
For example, You won? can function as a short surprise question in conversation, while Did you really win? makes the surprise explicit.
You won?
Ты выиграл?
This short surprise question expresses that the speaker did not expect it.
Did you really win?
Ты действительно выиграл?
This question makes the surprise explicit.
She passed?
Она сдала?
This short surprise question expresses that the speaker did not expect it.
Did she really pass?
Она действительно сдала?
This question makes the surprise explicit.
They agreed?
Они согласились?
This short surprise question expresses that the speaker did not expect it.
Did they really agree?
Они действительно согласились?
This question makes the surprise explicit.
He apologized?
Он извинился?
This short surprise question expresses that the speaker did not expect it.
Did he really apologize?
Он действительно извинился?
This question makes the surprise explicit.
Yes/no questions commonly use rising intonation in speech, especially when genuinely seeking information.
Intonation can distinguish a neutral question from a confirmation request or a questioning echo.
Are you ready?
Ты готов?
This yes/no question typically uses rising intonation when seeking information.
Is she coming?
Она идёт?
This yes/no question typically uses rising intonation when seeking information.
Have you finished?
Ты закончил?
This yes/no question typically uses rising intonation when seeking information.
Did you call him?
Ты ему звонил?
This yes/no question typically uses rising intonation when seeking information.
Can you help?
Ты можешь помочь?
This yes/no question typically uses rising intonation when seeking information.
Will they come?
Они придут?
This yes/no question typically uses rising intonation when seeking information.
Is it raining?
Идёт дождь?
This yes/no question typically uses rising intonation when seeking information.
Are we late?
Мы опоздали?
This yes/no question typically uses rising intonation when seeking information.
In informal conversation, a declarative word order can sometimes function as a question through intonation.
For example, Youre coming with us? can ask for confirmation without normal auxiliary inversion.
You're coming with us?
Ты идёшь с нами?
Declarative word order functions as a question through intonation.
She's ready?
Она готова?
Declarative word order functions as a question through intonation.
They've arrived?
Они прибыли?
Declarative word order functions as a question through intonation.
You like coffee?
Ты любишь кофе?
Declarative word order functions as a question through intonation.
He called you?
Он тебе звонил?
Declarative word order functions as a question through intonation.
It's raining?
Идёт дождь?
Declarative word order functions as a question through intonation.
We're late?
Мы опоздали?
Declarative word order functions as a question through intonation.
You can swim?
Ты умеешь плавать?
Declarative word order functions as a question through intonation.
Negative yes/no questions can ask for confirmation, express surprise, suggest that the speaker expected a positive answer, or challenge an assumption.
For example, Didnt you call him? may imply that the speaker expected the listener to have called him.
Didn't you call him?
Разве ты ему не звонил?
The negative question implies the speaker expected the listener to have called.
Isn't she coming?
Разве она не идёт?
The negative question implies the speaker expected her to come.
Haven't you finished?
Разве ты не закончил?
The negative question implies the speaker expected completion.
Can't you help?
Разве ты не можешь помочь?
The negative question implies the speaker expected help.
Don't you like it?
Разве тебе не нравится?
The negative question implies the speaker expected you to like it.
Won't they come?
Разве они не придут?
The negative question implies the speaker expected them to come.
Didn't she apologize?
Разве она не извинилась?
The negative question implies the speaker expected an apology.
Hasn't he arrived?
Разве он не прибыл?
The negative question implies the speaker expected arrival.
A question that grammatically permits yes or no may receive a fuller answer when the speaker needs to clarify which part of the proposition is being confirmed or denied.
For example, Did you call John? I called Mary instead.
Did you call John? I called Mary instead.
Ты звонил Джону? Я вместо этого позвонил Мэри.
The answer clarifies which part of the proposition is being confirmed.
Are you coming? I can't, but Tom can.
Ты идёшь? Я не могу, но Том может.
The answer clarifies which part of the proposition is being confirmed.
Have you finished? I've finished the first part.
Ты закончил? Я закончил первую часть.
The answer clarifies which part of the proposition is being confirmed.
Did you like the film? I liked the acting, not the story.
Тебе понравился фильм? Мне понравилась игра актёров, а не сюжет.
The answer clarifies which part of the proposition is being confirmed.
Is she ready? She's almost ready.
Она готова? Она почти готова.
The answer clarifies which part of the proposition is being confirmed.
Can you swim? I can, but not very well.
Ты умеешь плавать? Умею, но не очень хорошо.
The answer clarifies which part of the proposition is being confirmed.
Will they come? They might, but I'm not sure.
Они придут? Могут, но я не уверен.
The answer clarifies which part of the proposition is being confirmed.
Did you enjoy the party? I enjoyed seeing everyone.
Тебе понравилась вечеринка? Мне понравилось видеть всех.
The answer clarifies which part of the proposition is being confirmed.
Formal English may use less contracted forms and more elaborate question structures, especially in written or institutional contexts.
For example, Have you completed the application? is appropriate in formal communication.
Have you completed the application?
Вы заполнили заявление?
This question uses a full form and is appropriate in formal communication.
Are you available for a meeting?
Вы доступны для встречи?
This question uses a full form and is appropriate in formal communication.
Do you require further assistance?
Вам требуется дополнительная помощь?
This question uses a full form and is appropriate in formal communication.
Is the report ready for review?
Отчёт готов к проверке?
This question uses a full form and is appropriate in formal communication.
Have they confirmed their attendance?
Они подтвердили своё присутствие?
This question uses a full form and is appropriate in formal communication.
Will the committee approve the proposal?
Комитет одобрит предложение?
This question uses a full form and is appropriate in formal communication.
Can you provide the necessary documents?
Можете предоставить необходимые документы?
This question uses a full form and is appropriate in formal communication.
Should we proceed with the plan?
Нам следует продолжить с планом?
This question uses a full form and is appropriate in formal communication.
Modern English commonly uses do-support with have when have is a lexical possession verb, while auxiliary have forms perfect questions directly.
Compare Do you have a car? with Have you finished the report?
Do you have a car?
У тебя есть машина?
Modern English uses "do-support" with "have" as a lexical possession verb.
Have you finished the report?
Ты закончил отчёт?
Auxiliary "have" forms perfect questions directly.
Does she have a sister?
У неё есть сестра?
Modern English uses "does" with "have" as a lexical possession verb.
Has he arrived?
Он прибыл?
Auxiliary "has" forms perfect questions directly.
Do they have any questions?
У них есть вопросы?
Modern English uses "do" with "have" as a lexical possession verb.
Have they left?
Они ушли?
Auxiliary "have" forms perfect questions directly.
Did you have a good time?
Ты хорошо провёл время?
Modern English uses "did" with "have" as a lexical verb in the past simple.
Has it stopped raining?
Дождь прекратился?
Auxiliary "has" forms perfect questions directly.
Only the first auxiliary moves before the subject in ordinary yes/no questions, while the remaining auxiliaries stay in their original order.
For example, Will she have been working? moves will but keeps have been working after the subject.
Will she have been working?
Она будет работать?
Only "Will" moves before the subject; "have been working" stays after.
Has she been working?
Она работала?
Only "Has" moves before the subject; "been working" stays after.
Will they have finished?
Они закончат?
Only "Will" moves before the subject; "have finished" stays after.
Would she have agreed?
Она бы согласилась?
Only "Would" moves before the subject; "have agreed" stays after.
Have they been waiting?
Они ждали?
Only "Have" moves before the subject; "been waiting" stays after.
Could he have known?
Он мог знать?
Only "Could" moves before the subject; "have known" stays after.
Should we have left earlier?
Нам следовало уйти раньше?
Only "Should" moves before the subject; "have left earlier" stays after.
Will he have been informed?
Он будет проинформирован?
Only "Will" moves before the subject; "have been informed" stays after.
In existential constructions, the auxiliary normally comes before there rather than before the notional noun phrase.
For example, Is there a problem? and Are there any seats available?
Is there a problem?
Есть проблема?
The auxiliary "Is" comes before "there" in an existential question.
Are there any seats available?
Есть свободные места?
The auxiliary "Are" comes before "there" in an existential question.
Was there a meeting yesterday?
Вчера было собрание?
The auxiliary "Was" comes before "there" in an existential question.
Were there any objections?
Были возражения?
The auxiliary "Were" comes before "there" in an existential question.
Has there been any progress?
Был какой-либо прогресс?
The auxiliary "Has" comes before "there" in an existential question.
Will there be a party?
Будет вечеринка?
The auxiliary "Will" comes before "there" in an existential question.
Can there be any doubt?
Могут быть сомнения?
The auxiliary "Can" comes before "there" in an existential question.
Should there be a warning?
Должно ли быть предупреждение?
The auxiliary "Should" comes before "there" in an existential question.
Passive yes/no questions invert the first auxiliary while retaining the passive participle structure.
For example, Was the report finished? and Has the package been delivered?
Was the report finished?
Отчёт был закончен?
The first auxiliary "Was" inverts while the passive participle "finished" remains.
Has the package been delivered?
Посылка была доставлена?
The first auxiliary "Has" inverts while the passive structure "been delivered" remains.
Is the building being renovated?
Здание ремонтируется?
The first auxiliary "Is" inverts while the passive structure "being renovated" remains.
Were the documents signed?
Документы были подписаны?
The first auxiliary "Were" inverts while the passive participle "signed" remains.
Will the project be completed?
Проект будет завершён?
The first auxiliary "Will" inverts while the passive structure "be completed" remains.
Can the problem be solved?
Проблема может быть решена?
The first auxiliary "Can" inverts while the passive structure "be solved" remains.
Has the letter been sent?
Письмо было отправлено?
The first auxiliary "Has" inverts while the passive structure "been sent" remains.
Are the results being checked?
Результаты проверяются?
The first auxiliary "Are" inverts while the passive structure "being checked" remains.
Form yes/no questions by identifying the first auxiliary and placing it before the subject, or by using do-support when no auxiliary is present.
Common mistakes include using do with be or modal verbs, retaining the past form after did, forgetting auxiliary inversion, using the wrong auxiliary in short answers, and moving more than one auxiliary before the subject.
Is she ready?
Она готова?
Correct: "be" forms the question by inversion.
Does she be ready?
Она готова?
Incorrect: "do" is not used with "be".
Can you swim?
Ты умеешь плавать?
Correct: the modal "can" forms the question by inversion.
Do you can swim?
Ты умеешь плавать?
Incorrect: "do" is not used with a modal.
Did she go home?
Она пошла домой?
Correct: the main verb "go" is in the base form after "did".
Did she went home?
Она пошла домой?
Incorrect: the past form "went" is used after "did".
Are you ready? Yes, I am.
Ты готов? Да.
Correct: the short answer repeats the auxiliary "am".
Are you ready? Yes, I do.
Ты готов? Да.
Incorrect: the wrong auxiliary "do" is used in the short answer.