# 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.

By the Speaking Coach team at Sodhera Intelligence. Updated 2026-10-22. Source: https://www.orecci.com/speaking-coach/glossary/closed-question/

## 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](/speaking-coach/presentations/team-meeting-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](/speaking-coach/glossary/open-ended-question/):

> "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](/speaking-coach/small-talk/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?"

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