Question tags

Check information and ask for agreement with tags like isn't it?, do you? and haven't they?

For teachers:Download worksheet + answer key (PDF)

Explanation

Question tags are short questions added to the end of a statement to turn it into a question. They are used to seek confirmation, agreement, or clarification in conversations.

Structure: of Question Tags

Positive Statement + Negative Question Tag: The main statement is positive, and the question tag is negative.

Example: She is coming to the party, isn't she?

Negative Statement + Positive Question Tag: The main statement is negative, and the question tag is positive.

Example: You don't like coffee, do you?

Components of Question Tags

The question tag consists of an auxiliary verb and a pronoun.

The auxiliary verb in the tag should match the tense of the main statement. Common auxiliary verbs include "is," "are," "was," "were," "have," "has," "do," "does," "did," "can," "could," "will," "would," "shall," "should," "must," and "ought to."

Usage of Question Tags

Seeking Confirmation or Agreement: Question tags are often used to check whether the listener agrees with or confirms the information in the statement. Example: You enjoyed the movie, didn't you? (Seeking confirmation)
Expressing Doubt or Uncertainty: When you are unsure about something, question tags can express doubt or uncertainty. Example: He should be here soon, shouldn't he? (Expressing doubt)
Rhetorical Questions: Sometimes, question tags are used rhetorically when the speaker expects the answer to be obvious. Example: It's a beautiful day, isn't it? (Rhetorical question)

Rules for Creating Question Tags

Match the Auxiliary Verb to the Main Verb: Ensure that the auxiliary verb in the tag matches the tense and form of the main verb in the statement. Positive Statement: She has arrived. Negative Tag: She has arrived, hasn't she?
Use the Appropriate Pronoun: The pronoun used in the tag should match the subject of the main statement. Positive Statement: They are coming. Negative Tag: They are coming, aren't they?
Position of the Pronoun: The pronoun in the question tag should be the same as the subject of the main statement, except in imperatives. Positive Statement: You like pizza. Negative Tag: You like pizza, don't you?

In summary, question tags are a valuable tool in English conversation for seeking confirmation and expressing doubt. By following the rules and guidelines outlined above, you can use question tags effectively in your conversations.

Practice

Exercise 1

Choose the correct answer

1. She is a doctor, ______?

2. You have been to London before, ______?

3. I'm your friend, ______?

4. We should go now, ______?

5. She can swim, ______?

6. It's a lovely day, ______?

7. They won't mind, ______?

8. She used to live here, ______?

9. You don't like chocolate, ______?

10. There aren't many options left, ______?