With be → move be before the person
No do or does is needed.
- Are you ready?
- Where was the meeting?
Free cheat sheet 06 · B1 and above
Build Better Questions
Get the word order right, then follow the answer.
A clear question helps someone answer. A natural follow-up shows you listened to what they said.
What to use—and when
Make the choice by meaning.
With a present or past action → do / does / did
The helper shows the time; the main verb stays in its base form.
- Where do you work?
- What did you choose?
With can / would / should → move that word
The modal is already the helper.
- Can you help?
- Would you try it again?
When who or what does the action → no extra helper
The question word itself is the subject.
- Who called you?
- What happened?
The quick check
Keep this beside you.
- Is the verb be or a modal? Move it before the person.
- An ordinary action? Use do, does or did plus the base verb.
- Is who/what doing the action? No extra helper.
Notice the difference
A small change can change the meaning.
A useful check, but it may get a short answer.
An open follow-up invites detail.
Two common slips
A useful fix for next time.
Instead ofWhere you live?
UseWhere do you live?
A present-simple action question needs do or does.Instead ofWhat did you bought?
UseWhat did you buy?
Did carries the past; buy returns to its base form.