OXFORD PRACTICE GRAMMAR
34 YES/NO QUESTIONS

A Use
A yes/no question is one that we can
answer with yes or no.
Are you ready? ~ Yes, nearly/No, not
quite.
Has anyone seen my bag? ~ Yes, it's on
the chair./No, I
don't
think so.
These questions are asking for information. For example,
Daniel wants to know if Vicky is ready or not.
Sometimes yes/no questions have other uses, especially
questions with modal verbs. For example, when Matthew says
Shall we go then? he is making a suggestion, not asking for
information. Here are some examples of the different uses.
Making a suggestion: Shall we eat out
tonight?
Can/Could you write the address
down for me, please?
Can I carry something for you? ~ No,
it's OK, thanks.
Would you like to come to a party?-
Yes, I'd love to.
May I use your phone? ~ Yes, of COURSE
B Form
A yes/no question begins with an auxiliary verb. An auxiliary verb is a form
of be or have or a modal verb
e.g. can. The auxiliary verb comes before the subject.

suggestion, offering, requesting (x2)
? Could you post this letter for me? requesting
? Can we get a number 35 bus from this stop? asking for information
1 Can I help you with those bags?
2 Shall we stop for a rest?
3 Is it Tuesday today?
4 Could you wait a moment, please?
5 Would you like to have tea with us?
6 Will your friend be here next weekend?
7 May I sit down?
2 Form(B)
Claude Jennings, the World Quiz Champion, is going to be on Guy's chat
show.
Guy is wondering what to ask Claude. Read what Guy is thinking and write
down his questions.
► (I expect Claude has won lots of prizes.) Have you won lots of prizes ?
1 (1 wonder if he's a rich man.)
.....................................................................................................................
2 (Perhaps quizzes are his only hobby.)
...............................……………………………………………...
3 (I expect he worked hard at school.)
.........……………………………………………………………..
4 (I wonder if he's got any other interests.)
..................…………………………………………………
5 (1 wonder if it's an interesting life.)
........................................................................………………….
6 (Perhaps his wife asks him quiz questions.)
...............................................................…………………
7 (And maybe he answers questions in his
dreams.)…………………………………………………...