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How to Form Questions in Present Tense?

Forming questions in present tense requires moving the auxiliary verb (do/does) to the front of the sentence. The word order changes from statement to question, with do/does helping create the question structure.

Short answer

Form present tense questions by placing 'Do' or 'Does' at the start: Do you like it? Does she work? (I/you/we/they use Do; he/she/it uses Does).

Present Tense Question Word Order

1
Statement form
She works here. → Subject + Verb
↓
2
Question form
Does she work here? → Do/Does + Subject + Verb
↓
3
Answer
Yes, she does. / No, she doesn't.

Step-by-step worked examples

Convert to a question: 'You like pizza.'

Identify: you (uses Do)
Word order: Do + you + like + pizza + ?
Question: Do you like pizza?

Convert to a question: 'He plays football.'

Identify: he (uses Does)
Word order: Does + he + play + football + ?
Question: Does he play football?

Convert to a question: 'They go to school.'

Identify: they (uses Do)
Word order: Do + they + go + to + school + ?
Question: Do they go to school?

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Convert 'You play soccer' to a question.

Correct answer: B. You (plural) uses Do. Correct order: Do + you + play + soccer?

Q2.Which is the correct question?

Correct answer: C. She (singular) uses Does. Verb reverts to base: Does she like cats?

Q3.Form a question with 'They work here.'

Correct answer: A. They (plural) uses Do: Do they work here?

Q4.What is the short answer to 'Does it rain'?

Correct answer: B. Short answer: Yes, it does. / No, it doesn't.

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Common mistakes

✗

Using 'Does' with plural subjects. — Correct: 'Does' only with he/she/it. Plural uses 'Do': Do you like it? (not Does you)

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Keeping the -s on the verb after Do/Does. — Correct: Base form: Does she like (not Does she likes).

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Forgetting to move Do/Does to the front. — Correct: Question structure: Do/Does + Subject + Verb.

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Using wrong auxiliary (Is/Are instead of Do/Does). — Correct: For simple present, use Do/Does. Use Is/Are for continuous: Is she playing?

FAQ

How to form present tense questions?

Move Do/Does to the front: Do you like it? Does she work here?

Why does the verb change after Do/Does?

The auxiliary 'Do/Does' carries the tense, so the main verb returns to base form.

What's the difference between Do and Does?

'Do' with I/you/we/they; 'Does' with he/she/it (same as have and has).

How to answer present tense questions?

Short answer: Yes, (subject) do/does. No, (subject) don't/doesn't.