How to answer no to a question?

by St Giles Vancouver

The best thing to do is give them a FULL answer, not just yes or no.

In most cases, it doesn’t matter if you start with yes or no.  For example:

Aren’t you finished yet?  No, I still have 2 more boxes to open.  Yes, I still have 2 more boxes to open.  (native speakers will respond with no first)

You don’t like peanuts, do you?  (the speaker thinks you don’t like peanuts)

You should answer, "No, I don’t". Or "No, but I like other nuts."  "No (or yes), I’m allergic to peanuts."

Give us MORE INFORMATION.

For example:

Aren’t you going to join the group?  Well, I have another appointment so I can’t.

Won’t you be cold if you don’t wear your coat?  I’ll be fine because I have a sweater and hat.

Can’t you do that tomorrow?  I will try but I need to work at the bank late tomorrow.

If you just say yes or no, we will have to ask another question to be sure of your answer.

The best thing to do is give them a FULL answer, not just yes or no. You should answer, "No, I don't". Or "No, but I like other nuts." "No (or yes), I'm allergic to peanuts."

If you are asked

"Yes" means that you did go, and "No" means that you did not go.

If you are asked,

the negative form of the question almost invariably implies doubt or criticism or both. Answers of a bare "yes" or bare "no" do not address that implication. The answer would normally emphasize the mere substance of the reponse with

or

If no clarification is added, the usage of "yes" and "no" is the same as though the question were asked in the positive. To avoid potential social misunderstanding, however, ask questions in the positive and answer negative questions with a clarifying "I did" or "I didn't."

ADDITIONAL EDIT: In a comment below, reference is made to a response to a similar question. In that response, the point is made that rhetorical questions are frequently made in negative form.

is not attempting to elcit information, but to elicit agreement and confirmation. Anything other than an emphatic answer is likely to be ill received.

• Try this…
• "Thanks for your interest, but I would prefer not to answer that question."
• If the person persists, try this…
• "Honestly, I am very flattered by your interest, but I would prefer not to share that information.
• If that still doesn't work, try this…
• "Really — I don't think that is any of your business, so I'm.