What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to invert am, is, and are to ask questions and give clear short answers.
When do I use it?
Use "Is/Are/Am + subject" to ask about identity, description, place, or feeling: "Is she a doctor?", "Are they at home?", "Am I late?" Short answers use the same verb: "Yes, she is / No, they aren't."
How do I form it?
Statement: She is a teacher. Question: Is she a teacher? Statement: They are happy. Question: Are they happy? Short answer: Yes, she is. No, they aren't.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Don't leave the verb in place. Spanish asks "Ella es profesora?" with a rising voice, but English swaps the order: "Is she a teacher?", never "She is a teacher?" Also remember the article with jobs in the answer: "Yes, she is a teacher", not "Yes, she is teacher."
For "to be" questions, just flip the subject and the verb like a light switch: she is → is she?
Practice
Word Order
A1Put the words in the correct order to make a question
Find the Error
A1Fill in the Blank
A1they from Colombia?
Hint: 'They' + 'are' inverts to 'Are they...?'
Multiple Choice
A1Is she your friend? Show the correct short answer.
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: A1