Notes on Question Tags
Question tags are short phrases added at the end of statements to turn them into questions. They
are used to confirm information, seek agreement, or clarify understanding.
Basic Rules
1. Positive statements take negative tags:
o If the main sentence is positive, the question tag is negative.
o Examples:
"You are coming, aren’t you?"
"She likes chocolate, doesn’t she?"
2. Negative statements take positive tags:
o If the main sentence is negative, the question tag is positive.
o Examples:
"You aren’t tired, are you?"
"They don’t know the answer, do they?"
3. Use the same auxiliary or modal verb in the tag:
o The question tag must match the auxiliary or modal verb used in the main
sentence.
o Examples:
"He has finished, hasn’t he?"
"You can swim, can’t you?"
4. For sentences without auxiliary verbs, use 'do,' 'does,' or 'did':
o If the main verb is simple present or past tense, use "do," "does," or "did" in the
tag.
o Examples:
"You play football, don’t you?"
"She visited Paris, didn’t she?"
5. Pronoun consistency:
o The subject of the question tag should always match the subject of the statement
in pronoun form.
o Examples:
"John is here, isn’t he?"
"The children are playing, aren’t they?"
Special Cases
6. Imperative sentences:
o Use "will you," "won’t you," or "can you" for polite commands or invitations.
o Examples:
"Close the door, will you?"
"Stay a while, won’t you?"
7. Sentences with 'I am':
o Use "aren’t I" as the tag for sentences beginning with "I am."
o Example:
"I am late, aren’t I?"
8. Let’s statements:
o Use "shall we" for statements starting with "Let’s."
o Example:
"Let’s go for a walk, shall we?"
9. Nobody, somebody, everybody, no one, someone, everyone:
o Use "they" as the pronoun in the tag.
o Examples:
"Nobody called, did they?"
"Everyone is ready, aren’t they?"
10. Sentences with modal verbs:
Match the modal verb in the tag.
Examples:
o "You shouldn’t be late, should you?"
o "We must hurry, mustn’t we?"
Common Errors
1. Misidentifying the verb:
o Incorrect: "He has a car, doesn’t he?"
o Correct: "He has a car, hasn’t he?"
2. Using inconsistent pronouns:
o Incorrect: "The team is winning, isn’t it?"
o Correct: "The team is winning, aren’t they?" (If referring to members).
3. Overlooking the subject:
o Incorrect: "Everyone knows the truth, doesn’t he?"
o Correct: "Everyone knows the truth, don’t they?"
Tips for Mastery
Identify the tense and auxiliary/modal verb of the statement.
Ensure positive and negative balance between the statement and the tag.
Match the subject pronoun in the tag with the subject of the statement.
Practice with special cases like "Let’s," "I am," and pronouns like "everyone" or
"nobody."