What is the difference between a positive and a negative question? Provide examples.

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What is the difference between a positive and a negative question? Provide examples.

A positive question is a type of question that expects an affirmative or positive response. It is used to seek information or confirmation about something. On the other hand, a negative question is a type of question that expects a negative response or denial. It is used to seek information or confirmation about the absence or negation of something.

The main difference between a positive and a negative question lies in the expected response and the way they are structured. In a positive question, the question word or auxiliary verb is placed at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the subject and the main verb. In a negative question, the question word or auxiliary verb is also placed at the beginning, but it is followed by the negative particle "not" before the subject and the main verb.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

Positive question:
- Do you like chocolate?
- Are you going to the party?
- Did you finish your homework?

Negative question:
- Don't you like chocolate?
- Aren't you going to the party?
- Haven't you finished your homework?

In the positive questions, the expected response would be "Yes" or a positive statement confirming the information. For example, "Yes, I like chocolate" or "Yes, I am going to the party." In the negative questions, the expected response would be "No" or a negative statement denying the information. For example, "No, I don't like chocolate" or "No, I am not going to the party."

It is important to note that negative questions are often used to express surprise, disbelief, or to seek confirmation when the expected answer is contrary to what is believed or assumed. They are commonly used in informal conversations or when seeking clarification. Positive questions, on the other hand, are more straightforward and commonly used in various contexts to gather information or confirm facts.