How Do We Ask Yes/No Questions in the Present Simple?
Yes/No questions ask for a simple “yes” or “no” answer. They start with Do or Does.
The structure is: Do/Does + Subject + Base Form of Verb + …?
- Use Do with subjects I, you, we, they.
- Use Does with subjects he, she, it.
The main verb never changes. It is always in its base form.
Short answers use do or does:
- Yes, I do. / No, I don’t.
- Yes, he does. / No, he doesn’t.
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What Are Wh-Questions and How Do We Make Them?
Wh-questions ask for specific information. They start with a "Wh-word."
The structure is: Wh-word + do/does + Subject + Base Form of Verb + ...?
Common Wh-words are:
- What (for things)
- Where (for places)
- When (for time)
- Why (for reasons)
- Who (for people)
- How (for manner)
Remember, the main verb stays in its base form, just like in Yes/No questions.
When Do We Use Present Simple Questions?
We use Present Simple questions to ask about:
- Habits and Routines: Things you do regularly.
- General Facts: Things that are always true.
- Opinions and Preferences: What people like or think.
| Question Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Yes/No Question | Do/Does + Subject + Base Verb? | Do you like pizza? |
| Yes/No Short Answer | Yes, Subject + do/does. / No, Subject + don't/doesn't. | Yes, I do. / No, she doesn't. |
| Wh-Question | Wh-word + do/does + Subject + Base Verb? | Where do they live? |
Examples
- Do you live in Madrid?
- Does she speak English?
- Do they work on Saturdays?
- Does it rain often here?
- What time do you wake up?
- Where does he study?
- When do we meet?
- Why do they laugh?
Practice
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Chat with an Advisor on WhatsAppCommon mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish speakers sometimes make these mistakes:
- Forgetting do or does: In Spanish, you often just change your voice to ask a question. In English, do or does is necessary.
- ❌ You like coffee?
- ✅ Do you like coffee?
- Adding -s to the main verb after does: The -s is only for affirmative sentences with he, she, it. In questions, the main verb is always in its base form.
- ❌ Does he works here?
- ✅ Does he work here?
Frequently asked questions
What is the Present Simple used for?
The Present Simple is used to talk about habits, routines, general facts, and things that are always true. For example, I drink coffee every morning.
Why do we use 'do' and 'does' in questions?
Do and does are auxiliary verbs. They help us form questions in the Present Simple. They don't have a meaning by themselves in this context; they just show it's a question.
Does the main verb change in Present Simple questions?
No, the main verb always stays in its base form (infinitive without to) when you use do or does in a question. For example, Does she live in London? (not lives).
What are some common Wh-words?
Common Wh-words include What (for things), Where (for places), When (for time), Why (for reasons), Who (for people), and How (for manner).
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