Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[BMO]

1. And someone inside answers "yes." Is it a question like "yes?"

2. What does the "yes" imply?

a. Yes, what do you want?
b. Yes, I am here, you can come in.

Thanks.

bmo

[helen1]

Hi BMO -

As your questions suggest the 'yes' can mean different things

If said with a rising tone it usually means a question therefore your a) - Yes what do you want

If said with a neutral tone - it probably means the person is expecting a visit and would then mean your b) Yes I'm here, come in.

Hope this helps

Helen.

[BMO]

Thanks a lot, and it does help.

bmo