from Grammar in Context, 6th ed, Level 1

Cohen work sample: unedited original

5.4 Questions with the Present Continuous Yes/No Questions

Be Subject Verb + -ing (+ complement)?

Short Answer

Am I

gaining weight?

No, you aren’t.

Ishesheitthe lemur

Yes, he is.No, she isn’t.Yes, it is.No, it’s not.

Areyouwetheythe babies

Yes, I am.No, we’re not.Yes, they are.No, they aren’t.

Language Notes1. Compare statements and yes/no questions.

Statement: It is gaining weight?

Question: Is it gaining weight?

Statement: The babies are playing.

Question: Are the babies playing?2. For a short yes answer, we don’t use a contraction.

Are you reading about animals? Yes, I am. (NOT: Yes, I’m.)3. For a short no answer, there are two negative contraction (except for I’m not).

Are the babies gaining weight? No, they aren’t. OR No, they’re not.Are you learning about zoo animals? No, I’m not. (NOT: No, I amn’t.)

Wh- QuestionsWh- Word Be + (n’t) Subject Verb + -ing + ComplementWhat are they studying?Why is Boyes writing a blog?Why aren’t the babies gaining weight?Language Notes:Compare statements and wh- questions.Statement: The lemurs are playing.

Question: Where are the lemurs playing?

Subject QuestionsWh- Word as Subject Be Verb + -ing + ComplementWho is studying lemurs?How many lemurs are living at the Lemur Center at Duke?Language Note:Compare statements and subject questions.Someone is studying lemurs.

Who is studying lemurs?

from Grammar in Context, 6th ed, Level 1