Questions with Be (A1 Grammar)

Ask questions with is and are. Use a question word for information, or put is/are first for a yes/no question.

Quick tip: what/where/who/how + is (one) or are (you or more than one). For yes/no, start with is or are.

Question word + is (one person or thing)

Put the question word first, then is, then one person or thing.

• What is your name?
• Who is your teacher?
• Where is the bank?

Question word + are (you or more than one)

Use are with you, and when you ask about more than one.

• Where are you from?
• How old are you?
• Who are they?

Yes/No questions: is or are first

For a yes/no question, put is or are before the person or thing.

• Is Mei a teacher?
• Are you ready?
• Are Lars and Amina at home?

Short answers

Answer with is or are. In a yes answer, keep the full word.

• Yes, I am. No, I'm not.
• Yes, she is. No, she isn't.
• Yes, they are. No, they aren't.

Common mistakes

• Not "What are your name?" — say "What is your name?". name is one thing, so use is.
• Not "How old is you?" — say "How old are you?". use are with the word you.
• Not "Mei is a teacher?" — say "Is Mei a teacher?". for a yes/no question, put is before the person.
• Not "Yes, I'm." — say "Yes, I am.". do not use the short form in a yes answer.