What is a closed question? Definition and examples
A closed question is one that can be answered with yes, no, or a short fact, like "Did you get the file?" or "Tuesday or Wednesday?" Closed questions are useful for checking facts, getting decisions and confirming agreement; to start or deepen a conversation, open questions usually work better.
Three kinds of closed question
| Kind | Example |
|---|---|
| Yes or no | "Have you been here before?" |
| Either/or | "Do you want to present first or second?" |
| Short fact | "How long have you lived in Leeds?" "Which team are you on?" |
When closed questions are the better choice
| Situation | Why closed works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Confirming details | You need one clear answer | "So the deadline is Friday at 5?" |
| Getting a decision | Open questions invite more discussion | "Can we go with option B?" |
| Checking understanding | Quick, low effort for the other person | "Does that make sense so far?" |
| Talking to someone shy or tired | Easier to answer than a big open question | "Are you from around here?" |
| Ending a meeting | Pins down the next step | "Will you send the draft by Monday?" |
Even the last one in a team update does real work: "Any objections to shipping Thursday?" gets a clearer answer than "Thoughts?"
Closed, then open
In conversation, a closed question can be a gentle first step, followed by an open one:
"Did you grow up around here?" "Yes, actually." "What was the area like back then?"
The closed question is easy to answer; the open follow-up gives them room to say more. If you only ask closed questions, you'll get one-word answers and the conversation will feel like a form.
Watch out for leading questions
"You agree, don't you?" is closed and leading: it pushes for the answer you want. If you need an honest view, ask "What do you think?" instead.
Questions people ask
What is an example of a closed question?
"Did you finish the report?" It can be answered with yes or no.
Are closed questions bad?
No. They're the right tool for facts and decisions. They just don't start conversations well on their own.
Are "who", "when" and "where" questions closed?
Usually, since the answer is a name, time or place. "When did you start?" is closed; "How did you start?" is open.
How do I turn a closed question into an open one?
Start with what or how: "Did you like the film?" becomes "What did you think of the film?"