Short answers are normally constructed with subject and auxiliary verb. Other words in the question are usually omitted in short answers.
In affirmative short answers, we use stressed, non-contracted forms.
- ‘Are you happy?’ ‘Yes, I am.’ (NOT Yes, I’m.)
In negative short answers, we usually use contracted forms.
Examples are given below:
- were not – weren’t
- cannot – can’t
- will not – won’t
- are not – aren’t
Exercise
Read the questions given below and write appropriate short answers in the space provided against them.
1. ‘Have you got a light?’ ‘Yes, ………………………………….’
Correct!
Wrong!
2. ‘Do you know the answer?’ ‘No, …………………………..’
Correct!
Wrong!
3. ‘Will you give me a hand?’ ‘Yes, ……………………….’
Correct!
Wrong!
4. ‘Can you help me with the homework?’ ‘No, ………………………’
Correct!
Wrong!
5. ‘Can I borrow your car?’ ‘No, …………………………….’
Correct!
Wrong!
6. ‘Was the film interesting?’ ‘Yes, …………………………’
Correct!
Wrong!
7. ‘Does she like flowers?’ ‘Yes, …………………………..’
Correct!
Wrong!
8. ‘Can I use your computer?’ ‘Yes, ……………………….’
Correct!
Wrong!
9. ‘Should we tell her?’ ‘No, ………………………..’
Correct!
Wrong!
10. ‘Should I wait?’ ‘No, ………………………..’
Correct!
Wrong!
Answers
1. Yes, I have.
2. No, I don’t.
3. Yes, I will.
4. No, I can’t.
5. No, you can’t.
6. Yes, it was.
7. Yes, she does.
8. Yes, you can.
9. No, we shouldn’t.
10. No, you shouldn’t.
