Quick Answer
In a technical interview, the interviewer must be able to tell when you are asking and when you are stating an assumption. Show a yes/no question with two signals together: put the auxiliary or modal verb first ('Is the input sorted?', not 'The input is sorted') and let your voice rise at the end. If you want to state an assumption instead, say so explicitly: 'I'll assume the input is sorted. Is that OK?'
Why this matters in technical interviews
A common mistake when translating directly from another language is losing the difference between a question and a statement. Many languages mark a question with intonation alone, so speakers say 'The input is always sorted' with a slight rise and expect it to be heard as a question.
In an English technical interview that is risky. If your question sounds like a statement, the interviewer may think you've already decided, or that you're overconfident, and may not answer at all.
Two signals: word order and intonation
In speech, English shows a question in two ways. Use both together to be completely clear.
Word order: auxiliary or modal first
In a yes/no question, the auxiliary verb (is, are, do, does, have) or modal verb (can, should, will) comes before the subject.
| Statement | Question |
|---|---|
| The input is always sorted. | Is the input always sorted? |
| I should consider edge cases. | Should I consider edge cases? |
| The array can contain duplicates. | Can the array contain duplicates? |
| We need to handle null values. | Do we need to handle null values? |
| The service has to be real-time. | Does the service have to be real-time? |
Intonation: let your voice rise
Intonation is the rise and fall of your voice. Statements usually end flat or falling. Yes/no questions usually rise at the end, which tells the listener you're waiting for an answer.
Stress the key word and rise on the last one: 'Is the input ALways ↗SORTed?' / 'Can it contain dupLIcates ↗?'
Interview tip
Wh- questions (what, how, which) usually fall at the end: 'What's the maximum ↘size?' Word order already marks them as questions.
When you want to state an assumption
Sometimes stating an assumption is the right move, because it keeps you moving. Just label it clearly so it isn't mistaken for a fact, and invite correction.
Phrases for assumptions
- "I'll assume the input fits in memory. Is that OK?"
- "Let's say the IDs are unique, unless you'd like me to handle duplicates."
- "For now I'm going to assume we only need to support one region."
Practice drill
Five minutes a day
- Take a problem statement and write five assumptions as statements
- Turn each one into a yes/no question with the auxiliary first
- Say each pair out loud, falling on the statement and rising on the question
- Record yourself and check that the difference is easy to hear
FAQ
Questions
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