Grammar: A1 - Sentence Structure - Basics - Lesson 6: Short Answers to 'be' Questions

✨ Lesson 6: Short Answers to 'be' Questions

In the last lesson, we learned how to ask Yes/No questions (e.g., "Are you a student?"). Today, we will learn the best way to answer them.

In English, just saying "Yes" or "No" can sometimes sound a little impolite¹ or too direct². Using a short answer³ is more natural and polite⁴.

The Formula for Short Answers

The good news is that short answers follow a very simple formula.

• Positive Answer: Yes, + [subject pronoun] + [am/is/are].
• Negative Answer: No, + [subject pronoun] + [am not/isn't/aren't].

Remember to use the pronoun that matches the subject of the question. For example, if the question is about "your brother", the pronoun in the answer is "he".

The 'You' and 'I' Swap

The most important rule to remember is the swap between 'you' and 'I'.

When someone asks "Are you...?", you must answer with "I am...".

Question: Are you from Kampot?
Answer: Yes, I am. (NOT "Yes, you are.")

Examples for All Pronouns

Question	Positive Short Answer	Negative Short Answer
Am I in the right place?	Yes, you are.	No, you aren't.
Are you a student?	Yes, I am.	No, I'm not.
Is he your brother?	Yes, he is.	No, he isn't.
Is she from Cambodia?	Yes, she is.	No, she isn't.
Is the pepper spicy?	Yes, it is.	No, it isn't.
Are we late?	Yes, we are.	No, we aren't.
Are they expensive?	Yes, they are.	No, they aren't.

🧠 Practice Quiz: Write the Short Answer

Give a short answer for each question based on the clue (Yes/No).

1. Is the Durian Roundabout in Kampot? (Yes)
   → Yes, it is.
2. Are you a doctor? (No)
   → No, I'm not.
3. Is your mother at home? (Yes)
   → Yes, she is.
4. Are the salt fields near the sea? (Yes)
   → Yes, they are.
5. Is it cold today? (No)
   → No, it isn't.

📝 Homework: Answer About Yourself

Answer these questions about yourself with a true short answer.

---

1. Are you a student?

→ ___________________________________.

2. Are you tired right now?

→ ___________________________________.

3. Is your house big?

→ ___________________________________.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Impolite: (Adjective) - មិនสุភាព (mĭn so'phĭəp) - Not polite; rude. ↩
2. Direct: (Adjective) - ត្រង់ (tráng) - Saying exactly what you think without extra words. ↩
3. Short Answer: (Phrase) - ចម្លើយខ្លី (châm'laôy khlei) - A short reply, usually "Yes" or "No" with a subject and verb. ↩
4. Polite: (Adjective) - សុភាពរាបសា (so'phĭəp'rĭəp'saa) - Having good manners and showing respect for others. ↩