Questions Without a Question Word
A spoken yes-no question can keep statement word order. Intonation and the situation show that the speaker is asking for confirmation.
How It Works
Dolaziš? asks whether the listener is coming. It often checks something the speaker has just inferred or expected. No extra word corresponding to English do is required.
The voice matters, but there is no single contour that fits every question. Surprise, uncertainty and confirmation can sound different. Do not declare a grammatical sentence incorrect simply because a transcription does not record its intonation.
For a more explicit question pattern, use a finite verb followed by li. A question word instead asks for missing information, such as a location or reason. In writing, a direct question normally ends with a question mark.
Examples (3)
- Dolaziš?
Are you coming?
A statement-shaped clause asks for confirmation.
- Ana je kod kuće?
Ana is at home?
The speaker checks a proposition about Ana.
- Želiš kavu?
Would you like coffee?
Intonation makes this a question or offer.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- Finite Verb + liQuestions with Li
Use an explicit yes-no question pattern.
Level 1 - tko / što / gdje / kada / kako / zašto QuestionsBasic Question Words
Ask for a particular kind of missing information.
Level 1 - Questions With zarQuestions of Surprise or Expectation
Expectations can be marked more explicitly.
Level 2
Practice Questions Without a Question Word in Bubblegum
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