Question tags, also known as tag questions, are used to seek confirmation, clarification, or agreement in a conversation. The choice of which question tag to use depends on the form of the main statement or sentence. Here are some guidelines on when to use which question tag:
1. Positive Statement (Affirmative):
- If the main
statement is positive, use a negative question tag.
- Example:
"You're coming to the party, aren't you?"
2. Negative Statement:
- If the main
statement is negative, use a positive question tag.
- Example:
"She didn't eat breakfast, did she?"
3. Present Tense (Simple Present, Present Continuous):
- If the main
statement is in the present tense, use the appropriate form of the auxiliary
verb "do" (do/does) in the question tag.
- Example
(Positive): "He likes ice cream, doesn't he?"
- Example
(Negative): "They don't like spicy food, do they?"
4. Past Tense (Simple Past, Past Continuous):
- If the main
statement is in the past tense, use the appropriate form of the auxiliary verb
"did" in the question tag for positive statements, and
"didn't" for negative statements.
- Example
(Positive): "She went to the museum last week, didn't she?"
- Example
(Negative): "He wasn't feeling well yesterday, was he?"
5. Modal Verbs:
- If the main
statement includes a modal verb (e.g., can, should, will, would), the question
tag typically uses the same modal verb.
- Example:
"You can swim, can't you?"
6. Imperative Sentences (Commands):
- If the main
statement is an imperative sentence (a command), use a positive question tag.
- Example:
"Close the door, will you?"
7. "I am" Statements:
- When the main
statement begins with "I am," the question tag often uses
"aren't I" for positive statements.
- Example:
"I'm going to the store, aren't I?"
It's important to note that question tags should match the
subject and tense of the main statement. Additionally, the tone and intonation
used when delivering a question tag can convey different meanings or nuances,
such as seeking agreement, confirmation, or rhetorical emphasis.
Some question tag examples:
1. You're coming to the party, aren't you?
2. He's a great cook, isn't he?
3. It's a beautiful day, isn't it?
4. She likes playing tennis, doesn't she?
5. They can swim, can't they?
6. We should try the new restaurant, shouldn't we?
7. You'll be there on time, won't you?
8. She didn't eat breakfast, did she?
9. You have a dog, don't you?
10. He's going to the conference, isn't he?
11. You love chocolate, don't you?
12. They've already finished the project, haven't they?
13. She won't mind if we borrow her book, will she?
14. It's too late to change the plans, isn't it?
15. He isn't feeling well today, is he?
16. You went to the museum last week, didn't you?
17. We shouldn't forget to buy groceries, should we?
18. She's always been a good student, hasn't she?
19. They haven't seen the latest movie, have they?
20. You're not allergic to nuts, are you?
21. He doesn't like spicy food, does he?
22. It's a long way to the airport, isn't it?
23. She's going to call you back, isn't she?
24. You didn't forget your umbrella, did you?
25. They can fix the car, can't they?
26. We should get some rest, shouldn't we?
27. You'll help me with the presentation, won't you?
28. She enjoys hiking in the mountains, doesn't she?
29. You've never been to Paris, have you?
30. He's going to the gym later, isn't he?
31. We need to buy some flowers, don't we?
32. She's quite talented, isn't she?
33. You're not allergic to cats, are you?
34. He doesn't like coffee, does he?
35. They'll meet us at the restaurant, won't they?
36. It's your turn to pick the movie, isn't it?
37. You've already read this book, haven't you?
38. She didn't get a chance to practice, did she?
39. You can solve this puzzle, can't you?
40. We should try the new dessert, shouldn't we?
41. You'll remember to lock the door, won't you?
42. She's been working hard all week, hasn't she?
43. They won't mind sharing the ride, will they?
44. It's quite a challenge, isn't it?
45. He isn't afraid of heights, is he?
46. You visited the museum last month, didn't you?
47. We should order some appetizers, shouldn't we?
48. She's never been to Asia, has she?
49. They haven't tried sushi before, have they?
50. You'll join us for the game, won't you?
Try yourself....
EXERCISE
1. You've already seen that movie, __________?
- Answer: haven't you
2. She plays the piano beautifully, __________?
- Answer: doesn't she
3. We should go to the beach this weekend, __________?
- Answer: shouldn't we
4. They won't be late for the meeting, __________?
- Answer: will they
5. It's a lovely day, __________?
- Answer: isn't it
6. He knows the way to the museum, __________?
- Answer: doesn't he
7. You didn't forget to buy the groceries, __________?
- Answer: did you
8. I can borrow your book, __________?
- Answer: can't I
9. We shouldn't eat too much cake, __________?
- Answer: should we
10. They've already finished their assignments, __________?
- Answer: haven't they
11. She'll call us back later, __________?
- Answer: won't she
12. He enjoyed the concert, __________?
- Answer: didn't he
13. You don't like spicy food, __________?
- Answer: do you
14. It's a long way to the airport, __________?
- Answer: isn't it
15. We're all meeting at the café, __________?
- Answer: aren't we
16. She's never been to Asia, __________?
- Answer: has she
17. You won't forget my birthday, __________?
- Answer: will you
18. He's coming to the party, __________?
- Answer: isn't he
19. We've already booked the tickets, __________?
- Answer: haven't we
20. She's going to share her notes, __________?
- Answer: isn't she
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