Mr.Maru: Why are you playing video games?

Sparky: I need a break. I'm working too hard.

Mr.Maru: Right. Don't you think you should be studying?

Sparky: I don't need to study. I'm going to pass the test.

Mr.Maru: Aren't you a little old to be playing video games?

Sparky: You are never too old. Isn't this game amazing?

Mr.Maru: It is pretty cool. Let me play.

Sparky: Weren't you making me dinner?

Mr.Maru: It can wait.

How do you make negative questions? When do you use them? How do you respond to a negative question?

Negative Questions – the Basics

Negative questions are formed as normal questions, but with a negative in them. For example,

We can use contractions (n't) :
Doesn't she drive to work?
Why doesn't she drive to work?

We can also form them without contractions:
Does she not drive to work?
Why does she not drive to work?

When we make negative questions without contractions it gives it more emphasis or stress. It makes the sentence stronger.

Negative Questions – Uses

You can use negative questions to confirm information or to express an opinion. When we confirm information we are asking “It is correct or true that …, right?” For example,

Isn't Egypt in Africa? (It is correct that Eqypt is in Africa, right?)
Didn't you quit smoking? (It is true that you quit smoking, right?)

We can also confirm negative beliefs:

Can't you come to the party? (I'm thinking you can't come to the party. Is that right?)
Didn't you bring the camera? (I'm thinking you brought the camera. Is that right?)

When we use negative questions to express an opinion. We want the listener to agree with our opinion. The opinion is not as exact or definite this way. For example,

Isn't it beautiful? (I think it's beautiful, but what do you think?)
Doesn't he sing well? (I think he is a good singer. How about you?)

Negative Questions – How to Answer

When replying to a negative question, you answer a negative question the same as a regular question. There is no difference.

A: Haven't you gone to the doctor?
B: No, I haven't yet. I'm too busy.

A: Don't you brush your teeth every day?
B: Yes, of course do.

Do you think you got it? Let's take a quick quiz.

Negative Questions Quiz

1) _______ you Italian?

A) Don't
B) Aren't
C) Weren't

2) _______ you go to sleep at midnight?

A) Don't
B) Aren't
C) Weren't

3) A: Aren't you going to the dance tomorrow?
B: ___________.

A) No, I am.

B) No, I'm not.
C) No, I don't.

Answers

1) – B) – Italian is an adjective needs the helper verb 'be'.

2) – A) – The verb 'go' needs the helper verb 'do'.

3) – B) – We answer negative questions the same as regular questions. (i.e. Are you going to the dance tomorrow?)

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