QUESTION TAGS
Introduction
Question tags are short questions placed at the end of sentences. They are used in English to confirm
information, ask for agreement, or check if something is true. They are very common in spoken and informal
English.
Definition
A question tag is a mini-question added to a statement. It turns a sentence into a question without changing the
main structure of the sentence.
Basic Rule
The basic rule of question tags is simple:
• Affirmative sentence → negative question tag
• Negative sentence → affirmative question tag
Auxiliary Verbs
If the sentence already has an auxiliary verb (be, have, do), the same auxiliary is used in the question tag.
Examples:
• She is happy, isn’t she?
• They have finished, haven’t they?
• You are coming, aren’t you?
Sentences Without Auxiliary Verbs
When there is no auxiliary verb in the sentence, the auxiliary do/does/did is used in the question tag.
Examples:
• You like chocolate, don’t you?
• He plays football, doesn’t he?
• She went home early, didn’t she?
Modal Verbs
When a sentence contains a modal verb (can, will, must, should, may, might, etc.), the same modal verb is used in
the question tag.
Examples:
• You can swim, can’t you?
• She will help us, won’t she?
• They must leave now, mustn’t they?
Subject Pronouns in Question Tags
The subject in the question tag is always a pronoun, even if the sentence uses a noun.
Examples:
• Maria is here, isn’t she?
• The students arrived late, didn’t they?
Imperatives
Imperative sentences usually use 'will you?' or 'won’t you?' as question tags.
Examples:
• Close the door, will you?
• Don’t make noise, will you?
Special Cases
• Sentences with 'I am' use 'aren’t I?' in the question tag.
Example: I am late, aren’t I?
• Sentences with 'Let’s' use 'shall we?'
Example: Let’s go home, shall we?
Intonation
Rising intonation is used when the speaker is unsure and expects an answer.
Falling intonation is used when the speaker expects agreement.
Exercises
Complete the sentences with the correct question tag:
1. You are tired, __________?
2. She doesn’t like coffee, __________?
3. They have finished the work, __________?
4. He can drive, __________?
5. We went to school yesterday, __________?
6. Let’s study together, __________?
7. Open the window, __________?
Conclusion
Question tags are an important part of English grammar. They make conversations more natural and interactive
and are widely used in everyday communication. Learning how to use them correctly improves both speaking and
understanding of English.