+392.+ The words _yes_ and _no_, which we use in reply to questions were
originally adverbs, but we no longer use them as adverbs. We no longer
combine them with other words as modifying or limiting words, but use
them independently. They are in themselves complete answers. Thus, if
you ask me the question, _Will you come?_ I may say _Yes_, meaning, _I
will come_; or, _No_, meaning, _I will not come_.
The responsives _yes_ and _no_ thus stand for whole sentences, so they
are really independent words. We may use them in connection with other
sentences. For example; I may say, _Yes, I will come_, or _No, I will
not come_. Used in this way, they still retain an independent
construction in the sentence. We call them responsives because they are
used in response to questions.