Grammar: Short Answers with 'Be'
A1 Lesson 18: Answering Yes/No Questions
Why Use Short Answers?
In English, just saying "Yes" or "No" can sound a little too direct or even impolite. Using a short answer is a more natural and friendly way to respond.
Q: "Are you a student?"
A: "Yes."
(This is okay, but not very friendly.)
Q: "Are you a student?"
A: "Yes, I am."
(This is much more polite and natural!)
The Grammar Rule 📖
The Short Answer Formula
Short answers follow a simple pattern: Yes/No + Pronoun + Verb 'be'. The verb must agree with the pronoun.
| Question | Positive Answer | Negative Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Am I ...? | Yes, you are. | No, you aren't. |
| Are you ...? | Yes, I am. | No, I'm not. |
| Is he/she/it ...? | Yes, he/she/it is. | No, he/she/it isn't. |
| Are we ...? | Yes, we are. | No, we aren't. |
| Are they ...? | Yes, they are. | No, they aren't. |
Important: Notice the swap! When the question is "Are you...?", the answer starts with "I am...". When the question is "Am I...?", the answer starts with "You are...".
In Conversation
Let's see how short answers are used in a cafe.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Write the Short Answer
Give a correct short answer for each question based on the clue in parentheses (Yes/No).
- Is the Durian Roundabout in Kampot? (Yes)
→ Yes, it is. - Are you a doctor? (No)
→ No, I'm not. - Is your mother at home? (Yes)
→ Yes, she is. - Are the salt fields near the sea? (Yes)
→ Yes, they are. - Is it cold today in Siem Reap? (No)
→ No, it isn't.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Answer About Yourself
Answer these questions about yourself with a true short answer.
- Are you a student? → _____________________.
- Are you tired right now? → _____________________.
- Is your house big? → _____________________.
Key Vocabulary
- Polite Having good manners and showing respect for others.
- Impolite Not polite; rude.
- Direct Saying exactly what you think without extra, softening words.
- Short Answer A short reply, like "Yes, I am" or "No, he isn't".