Introduction
A tag question is a small question that is attached , or "tagged", to the end of a sentence. Rather than repeat the main verb, a form of "be" or other auxiliary verb or modal is used in the tag. Below are a few examples.
You came by train, didn’t you?
It’s very windy today, isn’t it?
You can meet me at the station, can’t you?
You couldn’t give me a ride, could you?
Sentence Pattern
If the sentence is negative, the tag is usually positive, as in the example below.
You didn’t tell him, did you?
Note: Sentences with negative words are considered to be negative. Therefore, they require positive tag question endings, as in these examples:
He never drinks alcohol, does he?
Nobody left a message, did they?
If the sentence is positive, the tag is usually negative, as in the next example.
You told him, didn’t you?
Twelve Rules for Tag Questions
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| 1. After “let’s”, the tag begins with “shall”. | Let’s invite the neighbours over for dinner on the weekend, shall we? |
| 2. Use “aren’t I” in tags to mean “I am not”. | I’m on time, aren’t I? (correct) I’m on time, am’t I? (incorrect) |
| 3. Use “won’t” for polite request tags. | You’ll bring the other things, won’t you? |
| 4. Use “will” or “would” with imperative sentences (commands). | Wait here until I return, will you? Wait here until I return, would you? |
| 5. Use “mustn’t” with the modal “must”. | This must be the address, mustn’t it? |
| 6. Two endings are possible when “have” is the main verb of the sentence. | You have enough money, haven’t you? (British English) You have enough money, don’t you? (North American English) |
| 7. Use pronouns for people, not proper names, in question tags. | Paul is a good tennis player, isn’t he? Betty has a good job, hasn’t she? |
| 8. Use “it” in a question tag when the sentence includes the words “this” or “that”. | This is your pen, isn’t it? |
| 9. Use “they” in a question tag when the sentence includes “these” or “those”. | Those are your sandals, aren’t they? |
| 10. Use “there” in a question tag when the sentences includes “there + a form of be”. | There is a lot of work to do today, isn’t there? |
| 11. Use “they” in a question tag when the sentence includes indefinite pronouns (nobody, no one, someone, somebody, everyone, everybody). |
Everyone is here now, aren’t they? Nobody has eaten yet, have they? |
| 12. Use “didn’t” in a question tag when the sentence includes the verb “used to”. | You used to go skating very often, didn’t you?” |
Using Tag Questions
Tag questions are used to ask for agreement or to ask for things, favours, or new information. To determine which, listen to the speaker's tone. A rising tone at the end of a tag question indicates that it is a real question. The speaker wants to know something or wants someone to do something. Falling tone however, means that the speaker is looking for agreement.
| Rising tone - asking for a favour |
You couldn't lend me some money, could you? |
|---|---|
| Rising tone – asking for information |
You don't happen to know if the No. 50 bus has already passed here, do you? |
| Falling tone - asking for agreement |
The boss wasn't in a good mood today, was he? That dress looks great on her, doesn't it? |
Note: We usually use a negative sentence with a positive tag to request things or information, as in the preceding examples.
When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.