Aren't you coming? Yes... no... Am I coming or not?
Aren't you hungry? No... yes... I'm hungry! I'm confused.
Today we'll study negative questions and answers to them.
Hey! What's up and welcome to English Mania!
Today we'll study negative questions.
Why do they exist? How to answer them? And how to create them.
What are the rules? Let's find out right now.
First of all, you should remember that the word order in contracted negative questions
is different from the word order in usual negative questions.
Aren't you coming? You see? Not is together with the axillary verb are.
Aren't - are not, right?
But in a usual question, you are supposed to ask: "Are you not coming?"
'Not' is not after the axillary verb
but it goes after the subject.
Are you not coming? But: Aren't you coming?
Doesn't he understand? But: Does he not understand?
Now how to answer these questions?
Suppose you were asked: Aren't you coming? What should you say?
No, I am coming. Or yes, I'm not coming. Yes, I am coming. Wow, it's confusing.
To avoid this confusion give more context, give more information.
Don't just say yes or no, but extend your idea and there won't be any problem.
You will be understood correctly.
So aren't you coming? Yes, I'm coming! Wait for me!
Aren't you coming? No, I'm too tired, I'm staying at home.
Aren't you hungry? No, I'm not, I'm full, I can't eat anything else.
Don't you like music? Yes, I do! I love music! Don't you?
Can't you swim? No, I can't. Yes, I can.
Usually, if you say the negative answer you give the negative extension so to say
No I don't. No, I'm not. No, I can't.
If you say yes, usually you give a positive answer.
Can't you swim? Yes, I can. Aren't you hungry? Yes, I am.
Doesn't he understand? Yes, he does, he does understand.
See? Positive - positive, negative - negative.
But to avoid the confusion, if you're not sure, just give more information and you'll be understood.
Now, why do people ask negative questions?
Usually, people do that when they want to get confirmation of what they think is true.
Didn't you see Ann yesterday? How is she doing?
So I'm pretty sure that you did see Ann yesterday, so I need your confirmation.
Didn't you see Ann yesterday? Yes, I did.
Negative questions are also used to express your opinion in a polite way.
Wouldn't it be nicer to paint this wall green?
instead of 'it would be nice to paint this wall green',
If you say 'wouldn't it be nicer' you sound politer.
Negative questions are also used to ask for confirmation of a negative belief.
Hasn't the postman come yet? Wow!
Here usually you're surprised. Don't you like pizza? Wow, I thought everyone liked pizza.
We could also use negative questions for polite requests, offers or complaints.
Wouldn't you like something to drink? I'm offering you.
Wouldn't you like something to drink? Tea, coffee something stronger.
Why don't you come and spend the evening with us? Why don't you come? Why don't you join us?
Okay that's it about negative questions. If you have any questions, negative or positive, write a comment!
Make sure to write let's say three examples of negative questions and answers to them in the comments.
Can you do that, please? Practice! Practice makes perfect!
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