Questions/ verbs

[Darren]

Is it standard to ask a question in Japanese using the negative of the verb?

For example from beginners lesson 43

Konya issho ni eigo o benkyo shimasen ka

Can you also say

......benkyo shimasu ka

Which of these sounds natural.

[maxiewawa]

They both sound natural, but in the first question, you're inviting someone to do it. I guess the implication is that you are a teacher, and you'll help the person with their study.

The second way is just a general enquiry. "So, will we be studying tonight?"

Also, I think there's been a typo in how you've written the sentence. "Eigo no benyo?"

[Jason]

Invitations to do something can be made in either the positive or negative. It's just more polite/humble in the negative. It's the same in English:

-Will you study with me?
-Won't you study with me?

They mean exactly the same thing.