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Kingston123 Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

When to use “is” vs. “does” when asking a question?

When do I use "is" or "does" when I ask a question? For example,

Is your item still for sale?

Does your item still for sale?

I am not sure which one to use.

  

Top answer

I am not sure which one to use. Is your item still for sale? kingston123 When do I use "is" or "does" when I ask a question?

— Mister Micawber

  • I am not sure which one to use.
  • Is your item still for sale?
  • kingston123 When do I use "is" or "does" when I ask a question?
  • Use 'do' when there is a main verb: Does she have a boyfriend?
  • except when it is the '-ing' form: Is she coming to the party?
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3 Answers
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kingston123Is your item still for sale?Does your item still for sale?I am not sure which one to use.

Is your item still for sale?

kingston123When do I use "is" or "does" when I ask a question?

Use 'do' when there is a main verb:

Does

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kingston123Does your item still for sale?

"does" is an auxiliary verb in a question. That means that the plain form of some verb follows it. I don't see any other verb in this whole series of words.

'your' - not a verb
'item' - not a verb
'still' - not a verb
'for' - not a verb
'sale' - not a verb

So this question can't be righ

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1. "Be" does not need a helping verb to make a question. Just invert the subject and verb.

Your item is for sale. -> Is your item for sale?
The item was very heavy. -> Was the item very heavy?


2. Other verbs need a helping verb. "Do" is the helping verb for sentences that don't have a helping verb. The plain form of the verb is use

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