Short answers, e.g. Yes, it is.

A Answering yes or no

Look at the answers to these questions.

Is it raining? ~ Yes.

Are we going to be late? ~ Yes, we are.

Did you say something? ~ No.

Did you finish the crossword? ~ No, I didn't.

We can sometimes answer a question with a simple yes or no, but we often use a short answer like No, I didn't. We usually put a comma after yes or no.

We do not normally use a full sentence, but we can do if we want to add emphasis to the answer.

Did you open my letter? ~ No, I didn't open your letter.

Sometimes, to be polite, we may need to add information.

Did you get the tickets? ~ No, I didn't. There wasn't time, I'm afraid. Sorry

B Form

A positive short answer is yes + a pronoun + an auxiliary.

QUESTION SHORT ANSWER

AUXILIARY PRONOUN AUXILIARY

Are you working tomorrow? ~ Yes, I am.

Has Emma got a computer? ~ Yes, she has.

Will I need my passport? ~ Yes, you will.

Did they repair your phone? ~ Yes, they did.

We can also use the main verb be in a short answer.

Is it time to go? ~ Yes, it is. It's ten past eleven.

Note that in the present simple and past simple we use a form of do.

Do you like classical music? ~ Yes, I do. NOT Yes I like.

A negative short answer is no + a pronoun + an auxiliary + n't.

QUESTION SHORT ANSWER

AUXILIARY PRONOUN AUXILIARY

Is the photocopier working now? ~ No, it isn't.

Have the children gone to sleep? ~ No, they haven't.

Will there be food at the party? ~ No, there won't.

Does this train stop at Derby? ~ No, it doesn't.

But note No, I'm not.

Are you working tomorrow? ~ No, I'm not. NOT No, I amn't

C Answering requests, suggestions, offers and invitations

To answer a request, suggestion, etc, we normally use a phrase like Yes, of course or Yes, please rather than a short answer. If we answer in the negative, we have to give some explanation.

Request: Could you help me move these chairs, please? ~ Yes, of course. OR I'm afraid I'm rather busy.

Suggestion: Shall we have a coffee? ~ Yes, OK. OR Sorry, I can't. I have to go.

Offer: Can I give you a hand? ~ Yes, please. That's very kind of you. OR It's OK, thanks. I can manage.

Invitation: Would you like to come to the barbecue? ~ Yes, please. I'd love to. OR I'd love to, but I'll be away.

Short negative answers would sound strange or impolite here.