‘Yes It Is' or 'Yes It Does': Which is Correct?

Do you need to know whether 'yes it is' or 'yes it does' is correct? If so, this will help.

Here is the short answer: 

• 'Yes, it is' is a statement used to confirm something someone is asking. 
• 'Yes, it does' indicates that something possesses a specific quality or trait. 

The answer above is just a brief overview, though. To learn exactly when and how to use each of the above statements accurately, keep reading!

Which is Correct, 'Yes It Is' or 'Yes It Does?'

Honestly, the correct choice depends on what you are trying to convey or what you were asked. So, both statements are grammatically correct.

There are times when you should use the former and others when the latter is more suitable.

• People typically use 'yes it is' when they are asked about the time, location, or state of something.

For example, if someone asks you whether a project is complete, you could respond with 'Yes, it is.'

• 'Yes it does' is more appropriate as a response to a question about the specific characteristics or traits that something possesses.

For example, you may hear someone respond, 'Yes, it does' if they are asked, 'Does your new house have a swimming pool?'

Definition of 'Yes It Is': What Does 'Yes It Is' Mean?

To gain a better understanding of the meaning of 'yes it is,' we will look at the definitions of the words in the phrase.

Definition of 'Yes'

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, yes is an adverb defined as:

• A function word used to express agreement or assent
• Used as a function word to contradict or correct negative assertions or directions
• A function word used to indicate attentiveness, uncertainty, or interest
• Used as a function word to introduce an emphatic or explicit phrase

It can also be used as a noun defined as:

• Yea, or an affirmative reply

Definition of 'It'

The same source defines it as a pronoun that means:

• That one, when used as a subject, indirect object, or direct object of a verb or the object of a preposition when the subject is lifeless or an object
• An animal whose sex is unknown
• A plant
• An abstract entity or a group of things or people
• A word used as the subject of an impersonal verb to express a condition without reference to an agent
• A term used as an anticipatory object or subject of a verb
• A word used to shift emphasis to part of a statement other than the subject
• A word used with some verbs as a direct object without significant meaning
• Used to imply an implicit or explicit state of circumstances or affairs
• A climatic, significant, or critical point

It can also be a noun defined as:

• The principal player in a game like hide-and-seek or tag

Definition of 'Is'

Is is also a verb defined as:

• The plural present tense form of be
• The dialectal singular present tense first and third-person form of be
• The dialectal plural present tense form of be

Because is, is a form of be, it is important to look at the definition of the verb be, which is:

• To have the same connotation or meaning
• To identify with the same idea or object as
• To possess a specific qualification or characterization
• To belong to the same class
• To have, occupy, and maintain a specific location or position
• To remain undisturbed
• To come or go
• To occur or take place

Meaning of 'Yes It Is'

'Yes, it is' can have many meanings. However, it is most frequently used as a response to a question or statement to confirm information or to dispute information.

As an example, if someone told you, 'Your birthday is not on Saturday.' You could respond with 'Yes, it is.'

Definition of 'Yes It Is': What Does 'Yes It Is' Mean?

We already looked at the definitions of yes and it. So, let's look at the meaning of does to learn more about the meaning of 'yes it does.'

Definition of 'Does'

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines does as:

• The present tense singular third-person form of the verb do

The verb do is defined as:

• To pass over or through
• To perform or complete a task
• To pay tribute or give freely
• To commit
• To put
• To carry or bring about

Meaning of 'Yes It Does'

When you use the phrase 'yes it does' you are saying that something presently possesses a specific quality or occurs, pays tribute, commits, passes over, performs, or carries out something.

As an example, you might hear someone use the statement in response to being asked, 'Does the show air on the 24th of January?'

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Yes It Is' and 'Yes It Does'

Whether you are learning English as a second language or working on improving your verbal and written communication skills, knowing how to correctly pronounce key terms is essential. Without correct pronunciation, it is challenging for others to understand you, and it may be challenging to convey your message.

So, here is a pronunciation guide you can reference.

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'yes it is':

yes it iz

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'yes it does':

yes it duz

Sample Sentences Using 'Yes It Is' and 'Yes It Does'

You learned when 'yes it is' and 'yes it does' are correct, their definitions, and how to pronounce both. But before you go, read these sample sentences to ensure that you understand and remember how to use these phrases.

Yes It Is

• Is their project going to be ready on time? Yes, it is!
• Is our reservation confirmed for the company party this weekend? Yes, it is.
• Is your car paid off? Yes, it is. I was able to pay it off in three years by paying an additional $200 per month.

Yes It Does

• Does the project have to be turned in by January 15th? Yes, it does if you want to receive the highest possible grade.
• It needs to be finished by Thursday night because we have to turn it in on Friday morning. Yes, it does!
• The new policy does not affect many people. Yes, it does! Can't you see how many people are struggling with the changes?

Final Review: Which is Correct, 'Yes It Is' or 'Yes It Does'

Finally, here is a recap of what you learned about whether 'yes it is' or 'yes it does' is correct: 

• 'Yes it is' is correct when you are using the present tense plural or singular first or third-person to confirm information about the time, location, alignment, or state of something. 
• 'Yes it does' is correct when you are talking in the third-person singular present tense and confirming or denying the absence of a specific occurrence, quality, or characteristic of something. 

To learn about other phrases like these, visit the confusing words section here. There, you will find hundreds of guides like this that will help you determine the correct term to use.

Each guide contains a brief and detailed explanation of the topic it covers with definitions, meanings, pronunciations, examples, and usage tips. They are an excellent way to expand your vocabulary while learning important grammar rules.