Short answers
Answering a question by saying just Yes or No can be perceived as too direct and impolite. If you wish to sound more polite, add a short answer.
-Do you like apples? -Yes, I do.
-Is she at the university? -No, she isn't.
The structure of short answers is: Yes/No, + subject pronoun Subject personal pronouns + the appropriate form of the first word of the question (the verb to be, to have or words such as do/does, can, will, must, etc.).
| QUESTION | AFFIRMATIVE | NEGATIVE |
|---|---|---|
| Is Roger happy? | Yes, he is. | No, he isn't. |
| Do you like football? | Yes, I do. | No, I don't. |
| Can we succeed? | Yes, we can. | No, we can't. |
| Have you got a car? | Yes, I have. | No, I haven't. |
In affirmative answers (after Yes), use the long affirmative form of the verb.
-Should I bring a gift? Yes, you should.
In negative short answers (after No), use the short negative form of the verb.
-Does he want to dance? -No, he doesn't.
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