Definition

Noun: A yes-no question is a type of question that is structured to be answered with either "yes" or "no." It is formed by inverting the subject and the auxiliary verb (or adding the auxiliary "do" if necessary) in a declarative sentence.

Usage

This term is used in linguistics, grammar instruction, and everyday language to categorize a fundamental type of inquiry. It contrasts with "wh-questions" (information questions) which ask for specific details.

Examples

• "Are you coming?" is a yes-no question.
• In the survey, most items were simple yes-no questions.
• The lawyer asked a series of rapid yes-no questions to establish the timeline.

Advanced Usage

• In formal grammar, a yes-no question is also known as a polar question, as it asks for the polarity (positive/negative) of a statement.
• The expected answer to a yes-no question is not always a literal "yes" or "no"; it can be an equivalent affirmation ("Sure," "Of course") or negation ("Never," "I don't think so").

Variants and Related Words

• Polar question (n): A technical synonym for a yes-no question.
• Tag question (n): A question structure where a declarative statement is followed by a short question tag (e.g., "It's cold, isn't it?"), which typically invites a yes/no response.
• Wh-question (n): An information question that begins with a word like who, what, where, when, why, or how.

Synonyms

• Polar question
• Closed question (in some contexts, though this can also include multiple-choice questions)

Antonyms

• Wh-question
• Information question
• Open-ended question

Noun

1. a question that can be answered by yes or no