Asking Yes/No Questions: Do You…? Does She…?

1 Why Do We Need Question Words?

English questions look different from statements. Look at these two sentences:

Statement: You like coffee.

Question: Do you like coffee?

The question has a special word: do. This word comes first. We call this question word order. In English, you cannot just say ‘You like coffee?’ with a different voice. You need to use do or does. This is very important!

We use questions every day. When you meet new people, you ask questions. When you talk about habits and routines, you ask questions. When you want to know about someone’s preferences, you ask questions. Questions help you get to know people. Questions help you have good conversations.

2 How to Make Questions with Do and Does

Now you learn the question pattern. This pattern is very important. You use it many times every day. Look at the pattern. Study the examples. Then you can make your own questions!

The pattern is simple: Do or Does + person + verb (base form). The verb does not change. You always use the simple form of the verb after do or does.

3 The New Flatmate Interview

Alex needs a new flatmate. Today, Jordan comes to see the flat. Alex wants to know about Jordan’s routine and habits. Alex asks many questions.

Alex: Hi! Come in. Do you work in the city?

Jordan: Yes, I do. I work in an office nearby.

Alex: Great! Does your job start early?

Jordan: No, it doesn’t. I start at 9 o’clock. I finish at 5 o’clock.

Alex: Perfect. Do you cook often?

Jordan: Yes, I do. I like cooking. I cook dinner every day.

Alex: That’s good! Do you have any pets?

Jordan: No, I don’t. But I like animals.

Alex: Me too. Does your family live nearby?

Jordan: Yes, they do. My parents live in the next town. I go there on weekends.

Alex: Nice. Do you study in the evenings?

Jordan: No, I don’t. I finish work and then I relax. Sometimes I play football with friends.

Alex: Sounds good! Do you need to see the bedroom?

Jordan: Yes, please!

Alex: Do you want to move in soon?

Jordan: Yes, I do. I need a place next week.

Alex: Perfect! I think we can live together well. Do you speak other languages?

Jordan: Yes, I do. I speak Spanish and a little French.

Alex: Excellent! Welcome to your new home!

4 Your Turn: Write a Question Dialogue

Now you practice! Write your own dialogue. One person asks questions. The other person gives short answers.

5 Remember: Question Word Order

Good work! Now you know how to ask yes/no questions in English.

Remember the pattern: Do or Does + person + base verb.

Use do with I, you, we, they. Use does with he, she, it.

Always use the base form of the verb. Never say ‘Do you works?’ Say ‘Do you work?’

Match your short answer to the question. If the question uses do, answer with do. If the question uses does, answer with does.

Common question starters you can use:

– Do you…? (for talking about yourself or the other person)
– Does he…? / Does she…? (for talking about another person)
– Do they…? (for talking about a group of people)

Now practice! Use these questions in real conversations. Ask your friends. Ask your family. Ask people you meet. Every question you ask helps you learn!