 When Americans answer a yes or no question with yes, we sometimes say the words with no break. The sounds blend together. Here's an example. Listen. Is it sunny today? Yes, it is sunny. We write it like this. Yes, it is. We say it like this. Yes, it is. Now, you try it. Is it snowy today? Yes, it is snowy. When we answer a yes or no question politely, we use a short answer. A short answer is the adverb yes or no, followed by a pronoun and the B verb with not if the answer is no. Usually the word not is shortened. We do not always repeat the adjective or main verb of the question. We stress the B verb and not or say them louder to make our answer clearer. Here are some examples. Listen. Are they busy? Yes, they are. Listen. Is she nervous? No, she isn't. Now, you try it. Is she nervous? Listen. Are you working? No, I'm not. Now, you try it. Ask a yes-no question.