English Grammar: Tag Questions

1. Structure of Tag Questions

Tag questions generally consist of an auxiliary verb and a pronoun that agrees with the subject of the statement. The structure of tag questions varies depending on the form of the main statement:

1. If the main statement is positive, the tag question is usually negative.

Example:

• Main Statement: You are coming to the party, aren’t you?
• Explanation: The main statement “You are coming to the party” is positive, and the tag question “aren’t you?” is negative.

2. If the main statement is negative, the tag question is usually positive.

Example:

• Main Statement: She doesn’t like coffee, does she?
• Explanation: The main statement “She doesn’t like coffee” is negative, and the tag question “does she?” is positive.

2. Basic Tag Questions

Let’s start with some basic tag questions using the present simple tense:

1. He is a doctor, isn’t he?
2. You like pizza, don’t you?
3. She doesn’t speak French, does she?
4. They play tennis, don’t they?
5. John and Mary are friends, aren’t they?

In these examples, the auxiliary verb “do” is used in the tag questions because the main sentences are in the present simple tense.

3. Advanced Tag Questions

Moving on to more advanced tag questions, let’s explore other tenses and structures:

1. They have finished their work, haven’t they?
2. She was studying all night, wasn’t she?
3. You won’t forget to call me, will you?
4. We can swim in the pool, can’t we?
5. He shouldn’t eat too much, should he?

In these examples, we use different auxiliary verbs based on the tense and structure of the main sentence. It’s important to pay attention to the subject and verb in the main sentence to construct the appropriate tag question.

4. Exceptional Cases

While the general rules for tag questions are quite straightforward, there are a few exceptional cases worth mentioning:

1. If the main sentence is in the imperative form (giving a command), we use “will you” in the tag question.
   • Example: Close the door, will you?
2. If the main sentence includes the phrase “Let’s,” we use “shall we” in the tag question.
   • Example: Let’s go for a walk, shall we?
3. If the main sentence contains the words “I am” or “I’m,” we use “aren’t I” in the tag question.
   • Example: I’m the best, aren’t I?

These exceptions add variety to the structure of tag questions and are important to remember when encountering such sentences.

5. Usage of Tag Questions

Tag questions serve various purposes in English conversations. Let’s explore their common usages:

1. Seeking confirmation: Tag questions are used to confirm information or seek agreement from the listener.
   • Example: You’re coming to the party, aren’t you?
2. Seeking clarification: Tag questions can be used to seek clarification or to ensure the listener has understood the message.
   • Example: You understood the instructions, didn’t you?
3. Softening statements: Tag questions can soften a statement and make it less direct or forceful.
   • Example: It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?
4. Expressing surprise: Tag questions can be used to express surprise or to seek confirmation when something unexpected happens.
   • Example: She won the award, didn’t she?

6. Examples of Tag Questions in Conversations

Let’s take a look at some tag questions used in everyday conversations:

1. That movie was great, wasn’t it?
2. You’ve finished your homework, haven’t you?
3. It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?
4. We should leave now, shouldn’t we?
5. You don’t mind if I sit here, do you?
6. She speaks English fluently, doesn’t she?
7. You’re not afraid of heights, are you?
8. We can meet at the coffee shop, can’t we?
9. They won’t be late, will they?
10. He’s a talented musician, isn’t he?

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)