Polite Offers
Rewrite as a polite negative question:
Would you like a cup of tea?
Answer: Wouldn’t you like a cup of tea?
True or false: We use negative questions when we think we know the answer.
Answer: True
Negative question showing surprise:
You finished already?
Answer: Didn’t you finish already?
Rewrite to persuade:
I think we should go home.
Answer: Don’t you think we should go home?
How do people often answer negative questions?
A) with “yes/no”
B) with a short meaningful sentence
Answer: B
Which is more polite?
A) Do you want to sit down?
B) Don’t you want to sit down?
Rewrite to show you believe she won:
Did she win the contest?
Answer: Didn’t she win the contest?
Why do negative questions show surprise?
Answer: Because they express an unexpected belief we thought was true.
Which question is trying to persuade?
A) Do you think this is better?
B) Don’t you think this is better?
Answer: B
Respond naturally:
Wouldn’t you like a drink?
Answer: Thank you, that would be great.
Create a polite negative question using “something to drink”.
Answer: Wouldn’t you like something to drink?
Create a negative question to check information about the weather.
Answer: Isn’t it going to rain?
Transform:
She didn’t call you? (surprised)
Answer: Didn’t she call you?
Create a persuasion question: topic “taking the bus”.
Answer: Don’t you think we should take the bus?
Respond naturally:
Don’t you want to come with us?
Answer: Actually, I’d love to.
Why do we use negative questions for offers?
Answer: To sound more polite or inviting.
What is the difference?
Did you see it? vs. Didn’t you see it?
Answer: First = genuine question; second = checking a belief.
Make a surprise question about the time:
Answer: Isn’t it late?
Rewrite:
This idea is more practical. → (persuasive)
Answer: Wouldn’t you say this idea is more practical?
Why can “yes/no” be confusing with negative questions?
Answer: Because “yes” can mean “yes, I want it” or “yes, you’re right I don’t want it.”
Transform the sentence:
Do you want to join us for dinner?
Answer: Don’t you want to join us for dinner?
Rewrite: You believe he has already arrived.
Has he arrived?
Answer: Hasn’t he arrived?
You’re surprised your friend didn’t watch the film. Make a question.
Answer: Didn’t you watch the film?
Explain how negative questions persuade people.
Answer: They show the speaker believes their idea is correct and expects agreement.
Give an example of a clear answer (not yes/no) to:
Isn’t it time to go?
Answer: You’re right, we should go.