QUESTION TAGS
What is a Tag question?
A tag question comes when someone finishes their
sentence with a short question and speaker wants to know the view of listener
about their sentence. Basically a tag question is one where a statement is
made, but the speaker wants a response from the listener to make sure their
information is correct or to seek argument. A ‘Tag Question’ or ‘Question Tag’
always added at the end of a sentence.
Form
auxiliary verb
+ subject
1.
We use the same auxiliary verb in the tag as in the main sentence.
If there is no auxiliary verb in the main sentence, we use do in the tag.
Ø
You live in Spain, don’t you?
2.
If the auxiliary verb in the sentence
is affirmative, the tag is negative.
Ø
You’re Spanish, aren’t you?
3.
If the auxiliary verb in the sentence
is negative, the tag is affirmative.
Ø
You’re not Spanish, are you?
Meaning
1.
We use tag questions to confirm or check information or ask for agreement.
Ø You want to come with
me, don’t you?
Ø You can swim, can’t you?
Ø You don’t know where the boss is, do you?
Ø This meal is
horrible, isn’t it?
Ø That film was fantastic, wasn’t it?
2.
We use tag questions to check
whether something is true.
Ø The meeting’s tomorrow at 9am,
isn’t it?
Ø You won’t go without me, will you?
Rules
1.
In the present form of be: if the subject is “I”, the auxiliary changes
to are or
aren’t
in the tag question.
Ø
I’m sitting next to you, aren’t I?
Ø
I’m a little red, aren’t I?
2.
With let’s, the tag question is shall we?
Ø
Let’s go to the beach, shall we?
Ø
Let’s have a coffee, shall we?
3.
With an imperative, the tag
question is will you?
Ø
Close the window, will you?
Ø
Hold this, will you?
4.
We use an affirmative tag question
after a sentence containing a negative word such as never, hardly, nobody.
Ø
Nobody lives in this
house, do they?
Ø
You’ve never liked me, have you?
5.
When the subject is nothing, we use “it” in the tag question.
Ø
Nothing bad happened, did it?
Ø
Nothing ever happens, does it?
6.
If the subject is nobody, somebody, everybody, no one, someone
or everyone, we use “they” in the tag
question.
Ø
Nobody asked for me, did they?
Ø
Nobody lives here, do they?
7.
If the main verb in the sentence
is have (not an auxiliary verb), it
is more common to use do in the tag question.
Ø You have a Ferrari, don’t you?
Ø
She had a great time, didn’t she?
8.
With used to, we use “didn’t” in the tag question.
Ø
You used to work here, didn’t you?
Ø
He used to have long hair, didn’t he?
9.
We can use affirmative tag
questions after affirmative sentences to express
a reaction such as surprise or interest.
Ø
You’re moving to Brazil, are you?
|
I. Affirmative statement |
Negative tag |
|
|
|
He is excellent at languages, |
isn't he? |
|
|
|
You were late, |
weren't you? |
|
|
|
They are working on a new
project, |
aren't they? |
|
|
|
She writes good poems, |
doesn't she? |
|
|
|
We have worked hard to earn
this money, |
haven't we? |
|
|
|
He called her, |
didn't he? |
|
|
|
You should see a doctor, |
shouldn't you? |
|
|
|
He can drive, |
can't he? |
|
|
|
You will help us, |
won't you? |
|
|
|
II. Negative statement |
Affirmative tag |
|
|
|
He isn't an athlete, |
is he? |
|
|
|
They weren't early, |
were they? |
|
|
|
You aren't writing a new book, |
are you? |
|
|
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She doesn't work in a hospital, |
does she? |
|
|
|
He hasn't found the solution, |
has he? |
|
|
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You didn't visit the museum, |
did you? |
|
|
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We shouldn't sleep late, |
should we? |
|
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You won't tell her, |
will you? |
|
|
|
III. Imperative |
Tag |
||
|
keep quiet |
won't you ? |
||
|
Can’t you? |
|||
Exercise
Match the beginnings of the sentences to
the correct endings.
|
S.No |
Statement |
Question
Tags |
|
1. |
as looking forward to that
film, but it was a load of rubbish, |
a. isn't it? |
|
2. |
talked and talked about the
same topic for hours, |
b. have they? |
|
3. |
That's my coat, |
c. doesn't she? |
|
4. |
You don't know the answer, |
d. didn't he? |
|
5. |
They haven't been married
very long, |
e. does he? |
|
6. |
You won’t be home till
after midnight, |
f. had we |
|
7. |
Peter doesn't like
chocolates, |
g. do you? |
|
8. |
We hadn't been there very
long, |
h. wasn't it? |
|
9. |
She lives in Paris, |
i. can you? |
|
10. |
You can't swim, |
j. will you? |
II.
Complete the sentences with a suitable question tag.
1.
Oh
no! They're vegetarians, ? And I've made a chickencasserole!
2.
Your sister couldn't give me a lift,
_? My car won't start.
3.
The flight from Paris arrives at ten o'clock,
?
4.
Let's go out tonight, ?
5.
You
will remember to get some
petrol before you set off, ?
6.
There weren't any mistakes in my essay,
?
7.
Don't forget to turn off the computer before you leave,
?
8.
Everybody enjoyed Tom's party, ?
9.
I really messed up, ?
10.
The jury has taken its decision,
?
