am not / isn't / aren't & questions

Rules

• Rule 1: Negative = am / is / are + not

  Put not right after am / is / are. The verb stays the same.

  Pattern: Subject + am / is / are + not

  Example: I am not at home.

  Example: The cake is not ready.

• Rule 2: Short forms isn't / aren't

  In speech we say isn't (is not) and aren't (are not). We don't say “amn't” in American English — we say I'm not.

  Pattern: is not → isn't · are not → aren't · I am not → I'm not

  Example: My bike isn't new.

  Example: The cats aren't hungry.

• Rule 3: Question = am / is / are first

  To ask a question, put am / is / are before the subject. Don't forget the question mark!

  Pattern: Am / Is / Are + subject + …?

  Example: Are you ready?

  Example: Is the teacher in the classroom?

• Rule 4: Short answers

  Answer yes/no questions with Yes + subject + am/is/are, or No + subject + negative. No short form after “Yes”: *Yes, I am.*

  Pattern: Yes, she is. · No, she isn't.

  Example: Is your dog friendly? — Yes, it is.

  Example: Are they cousins? — No, they aren't.

Common mistakes

• I amn't hungry. → I'm not hungry.

  Americans don't say “amn't”. Say I'm not.

• She is at school? → Is she at school?

  In a question, is comes first.

• He not happy. → He isn't happy.

  not needs is before it.