Dhananjaya R (9740085560) Question Tag

A question tag is a short phrase added to the end of a statement to turn it into a question. It is primarily used
in conversational English to confirm information or seek agreement. Understanding how to form question
tags requires a good grasp of sentence structure, tenses, and auxiliary verbs.

Structure of a Question Tag

A question tag generally consists of two parts:

1. An auxiliary or modal verb (such as "is," "have," "can," "will").

2. A pronoun corresponding to the subject of the sentence.

The main rule is that if the sentence is positive, the question tag is negative, and if the sentence is negative,
the question tag is positive.

Positive Statement, Negative Tag:

• Example: He is coming, isn't he?

o Here, the statement "He is coming" is positive, so the tag "isn't he" is negative.

Negative Statement, Positive Tag:

• Example: She doesn't like coffee, does she?

o The statement "She doesn't like coffee" is negative, so the tag "does she" is positive.

Formation Based on Tenses

1. Present Simple Tense:

o Positive statement: You play football, don’t you?
o Negative statement: He doesn’t work here, does he?
2. Past Simple Tense:
o Positive statement: They went to the park, didn’t they?
o Negative statement: She didn’t call you, did she?
3. Present Continuous Tense:
o Positive statement: You are reading a book, aren’t you?
o Negative statement: He isn’t writing a letter, is he?
4. Past Continuous Tense:
o Positive statement: We were playing chess, weren’t we?
o Negative statement: They weren’t sleeping, were they?
5. Present Perfect Tense:
o Positive statement: She has finished her work, hasn’t she?
o Negative statement: You haven’t eaten lunch, have you?
6. Past Perfect Tense:
o Positive statement: They had left early, hadn’t they?
o Negative statement: He hadn’t seen the movie, had he?
7. Future Tense:
o Positive statement: You will come tomorrow, won’t you?
o Negative statement: They won’t attend the meeting, will they?
8. Modals (Can, Could, Should, etc.):
o Positive statement: She can swim, can’t she?
o Negative statement: They shouldn’t go there, should they?
Special Cases

1. I am: The tag for the sentence "I am" is usually aren’t I (even though this is irregular).
o Example: I am right, aren’t I?
2. Imperatives (Commands and Requests): When a statement is a command, the question tag is
usually "will you" or "won’t you."
o Example: Close the door, will you? (polite command)
o Example: Please pass the salt, won’t you? (polite request)
3. Let’s: When using "let’s" in a suggestion, the question tag is usually "shall we."
o Example: Let’s go to the park, shall we?
4. Negative words: Words like "nobody," "nothing," "never," "hardly," etc., are treated as negative, so
the tag will be positive.
o Example: Nobody called you, did they?
o Example: She has never been here before, has she?

Intonation in Question Tags

• Rising intonation: When the speaker is genuinely unsure and expects an answer, the voice rises at
the end of the tag.
o Example: You are coming with us, aren’t you? (rising voice, seeking confirmation)
• Falling intonation: When the speaker expects agreement or is fairly certain of the answer, the voice
falls at the end of the tag.
o Example: It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it? (falling voice, expecting agreement)

Uses of Question Tags

1. Confirming information: The speaker uses a question tag to confirm something they believe to be
true.
o Example: You finished the project, didn’t you?
2. Encouraging conversation: Question tags are a way to invite the listener into the conversation,
making the interaction more engaging.
o Example: It’s a bit hot in here, isn’t it?
3. Softening commands: Using a question tag with a command can make the statement sound more
polite.
o Example: Pass me the book, will you?

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect subject-pronoun agreement: Always match the pronoun in the tag with the subject of the
sentence.
o Incorrect: The boys are playing, isn’t they?
o Correct: The boys are playing, aren’t they?
2. Incorrect use of tense: Ensure that the verb in the tag matches the tense of the main verb.
o Incorrect: She has finished her work, didn’t she?
o Correct: She has finished her work, hasn’t she?
3. Double negatives: Avoid using double negatives in the statement and the tag.
o Incorrect: You haven’t done it, haven’t you?
o Correct: You haven’t done it, have you?

In conclusion, question tags are an essential tool in English for confirming information, softening
statements, and maintaining smooth conversation. Mastering their use enhances both writing and speaking
skills, ensuring clarity and polite interaction.
 EXAMPLES:

1. Present Simple Tense

• Statement: You know the answer, don’t you?
o Reason: The sentence is in the present simple and positive, so the tag is negative ("don’t").
• Statement: He doesn’t live here, does he?
o Reason: The sentence is negative, so the tag is positive.
2. Past Simple Tense
• Statement: They visited the museum, didn’t they?
o Reason: The statement is positive in the past simple, so the tag is negative ("didn’t").
• Statement: She didn’t break the vase, did she?
o Reason: The sentence is negative in the past simple, so the tag is positive.
3. Present Continuous Tense
• Statement: You are working on your project, aren’t you?
o Reason: The sentence is positive in the present continuous, so the tag is negative ("aren’t").
• Statement: We aren’t leaving yet, are we?
o Reason: The sentence is negative in the present continuous, so the tag is positive.
4. Past Continuous Tense
• Statement: They were playing football, weren’t they?
o Reason: The statement is positive in the past continuous, so the tag is negative ("weren’t").
• Statement: She wasn’t crying, was she?
o Reason: The sentence is negative, so the tag is positive.
5. Present Perfect Tense
• Statement: He has completed the assignment, hasn’t he?
o Reason: The sentence is positive in the present perfect, so the tag is negative ("hasn’t").
• Statement: They haven’t eaten yet, have they?
o Reason: The sentence is negative, so the tag is positive.
6. Past Perfect Tense
• Statement: We had seen that movie before, hadn’t we?
o Reason: The statement is positive in the past perfect, so the tag is negative ("hadn’t").
• Statement: He hadn’t finished the task, had he?
o Reason: The sentence is negative, so the tag is positive.
7. Future Tense
• Statement: They will arrive on time, won’t they?
o Reason: The sentence is positive in the future tense, so the tag is negative ("won’t").
• Statement: She won’t come to the party, will she?
o Reason: The sentence is negative in the future, so the tag is positive.
8. Modals (Can, Should, Must)
• Statement: You can help me, can’t you?
o Reason: The statement is positive, so the tag is negative ("can’t").
• Statement: They couldn’t understand the instructions, could they?
o Reason: The sentence is negative, so the tag is positive.
• Statement: He should complete the work by tomorrow, shouldn’t he?
o Reason: The sentence is positive, so the tag is negative ("shouldn’t").
• Statement: You shouldn’t be so harsh, should you?
 o Reason: The sentence is negative, so the tag is positive.
• Statement: She must attend the meeting, mustn’t she?
o Reason: The sentence is positive, so the tag is negative ("mustn’t").
9. Imperatives (Commands and Requests)
• Statement: Close the door, will you?
o Reason: Imperatives often use "will you" for polite commands.
• Statement: Let’s go for a walk, shall we?
o Reason: With "let’s," the tag is "shall we."
10. Special Cases
• Statement: I am your teacher, aren’t I?
o Reason: The question tag for "I am" is irregular; it uses "aren’t I."
• Statement: Nobody called me, did they?
o Reason: "Nobody" is treated as negative, so the tag is positive ("did").
• Statement: Nothing is missing, is it?
o Reason: "Nothing" is negative, so the tag is positive.
• Statement: Few people knew the truth, did they?
o Reason: "Few" has a negative connotation, so the tag is positive.
11. Questions Based on Politeness or Agreement
• Statement: It’s a nice day, isn’t it?
o Reason: The sentence is positive, so the tag is negative, commonly used for seeking
agreement.
• Statement: You have some time now, haven’t you?
o Reason: The sentence is positive in present perfect, so the tag is negative.
12. Negative Words
• Statement: She has never been to France, has she?
o Reason: "Never" implies a negative sentence, so the tag is positive.
• Statement: They hardly said a word, did they?
o Reason: "Hardly" makes the sentence negative, so the tag is positive.
13. With "There" as the Subject
• Statement: There is a problem, isn’t there?
o Reason: The sentence is positive, so the tag is negative.
• Statement: There weren’t any complaints, were there?
o Reason: The sentence is negative, so the tag is positive.
14. Tag Based on Auxiliary Verb
• Statement: You have met him before, haven’t you?
o Reason: The auxiliary "have" is used in the sentence, so it appears in the tag.
• Statement: She hasn’t seen the report, has she?
o Reason: The sentence is negative, so the tag is positive.
15. Tag With Passive Voice
• Statement: The work was completed, wasn’t it?
o Reason: In passive sentences, the verb tense and pronoun determine the tag, here it’s positive
so the tag is negative.
 EXERCISE: 1
1. Present Simple Tense
1. You enjoy reading books, __________?
2. She doesn’t like spicy food, __________?
2. Past Simple Tense
3. They watched the new movie last night, __________?
4. He didn’t attend the meeting, __________?
3. Present Continuous Tense
5. We are having a great time, __________?
6. She isn’t coming to the party, __________?
4. Past Continuous Tense
7. You were playing video games, __________?
8. They weren’t working on the project, __________?
5. Present Perfect Tense
9. I have finished my homework, __________?
10. They haven’t seen that movie, __________?
6. Past Perfect Tense
11. She had completed her report, __________?
12. He hadn’t heard the news, __________?
7. Future Tense
13. You will join us for dinner, __________?
14. They won’t finish the task on time, __________?
8. Modals (Can, Should, Must)
15. You can swim really well, __________?
16. She shouldn’t worry about the exam, __________?
9. Imperatives (Commands and Requests)
17. Please help me with this, __________?
18. Let’s go for a picnic, __________?
10. Special Cases
19. I am your friend, __________?
20. Nobody called you, __________?
11. Negative Words
21. She has never traveled abroad, __________?
22. They hardly ever complain, __________?
12. Tag Based on Politeness or Agreement
23. It’s a beautiful day, __________?
24. You have time for coffee now, __________?
13. With "There" as the Subject
25. There is a meeting today, __________?
26. There weren’t any issues with the project, __________?
14. Tag With Passive Voice
27. The homework was submitted on time, __________?
28. The windows haven’t been cleaned, __________?
 Answer Key

1. don’t you?

2. does she?

3. did they?

4. did he?

5. aren’t you?

6. is she?

7. weren’t you?

8. were they?

9. haven’t you?

10. have they?

11. hadn’t she?

12. had he?

13. won’t you?

14. will they?

15. can’t you?

16. should she?

17. will you?

18. shall we?

19. aren’t I?

20. did they?

21. has she?

22. do they?

23. isn’t it?

24. haven’t you?

25. isn’t there?

26. were there?

27. wasn’t it?

28. have they?

 Exercise – 2
1. Present Simple Tense
1. Everyone loves ice cream, __________?
2. Your brother doesn’t play the guitar, __________?
2. Past Simple Tense
3. The students passed the exam, __________?
4. She didn’t see you at the party, __________?
3. Present Continuous Tense
5. They are coming to the concert, __________?
6. You aren’t feeling well today, __________?
4. Past Continuous Tense
7. I was waiting for you, __________?
8. The children weren’t playing outside, __________?
5. Present Perfect Tense
9. You have been to Italy, __________?
10. He hasn’t finished his project, __________?
6. Past Perfect Tense
11. We had planned the trip together, __________?
12. She hadn’t known about the surprise, __________?
7. Future Tense
13. They will send the report by Friday, __________?
14. You won’t forget your keys again, __________?
8. Modals (Can, Should, Must)
15. You can finish the task by tomorrow, __________?
16. He shouldn’t have said that, __________?
9. Imperatives (Commands and Requests)
17. Don’t forget to call me, __________?
18. Please pass the salt, __________?
10. Special Cases
19. I’m right about this, __________?
20. Nobody understands the problem, __________?
11. Negative Words
21. She has seldom visited that museum, __________?
22. They hardly knew anyone at the event, __________?
12. Tag Based on Politeness or Agreement
23. It’s quite late, __________?
24. You have seen that movie before, __________?
13. With "There" as the Subject
25. There are many options available, __________?
26. There wasn’t a single mistake in your work, __________?
14. Tag With Passive Voice
27. The cake was eaten, __________?
28. The report hasn’t been submitted, __________?
15. Conditional Statements
29. If you had told me earlier, I would have helped you, __________?
30. If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors, __________?
 Answer Key

1. don’t they?

2. does he?

3. did they?

4. did she?

5. aren’t they?

6. are you?

7. wasn’t I?

8. were they?

9. haven’t you?

10. has he?

11. hadn’t we?

12. had she?

13. won’t they?

14. will you?

15. can’t you?

16. should he?

17. will you?

18. won’t you?

19. am I?

20. do they?

21. has she?

22. did they?

23. is it?

24. haven’t you?

25. aren’t there?

26. was there?

27. wasn’t it?

28. has it?

29. would you?

30. will we?

I. Choose the appropriate question tag from the options provided.

1. She is coming to the party, __________? (isn’t she / is she)

2. You don’t like coffee, __________? (do you / don’t you)
3. They have finished their homework, __________? (haven't they / have they)
4. It’s a beautiful day, __________? (isn't it / is it)
5. He can swim, __________? (can't he / can he)
6. You are coming to the meeting, __________? (aren’t you / are you)
7. The students didn’t pass the test, __________? (did they / didn’t they)
8. She will join us later, __________? (won’t she / will she)
9. This book is interesting, __________? (isn’t it / is it)
10. They can’t play football, __________? (can they / can’t they)
11. We’re meeting at 5 PM, __________? (aren’t we / are we)
12. John doesn’t speak French, __________? (does he / doesn’t he)
13. You have finished your project, __________? (haven’t you / have you)
14. Maria is a great artist, __________? (is she / isn’t she)
15. This train doesn’t arrive on time, __________? (does it / does it not)

II. Rewrite the sentences with the correct question tags (if it is wrong).

1. You are going to the concert, isn’t it?

2. She loves ice cream, does she?
3. They aren't here, is it?
4. We should leave now, should we?
5. He doesn’t understand the lesson, will he?
6. The weather is nice today, isn’t it?
7. You can help me with this, can you?
8. She is watching a movie, isn’t she?
9. We have enough time, don’t we?
10. He plays the guitar, does he?
11. Everyone finished the test, didn’t all?
12. You’re tired, are you?
13. They will arrive soon, will they?
14. This pizza tastes great, isn’t it?
15. You can’t see that movie, aren’t you?
 Answer Key

Part 1:

1. isn’t she
2. do you
3. haven’t they
4. isn’t it
5. can’t he
6. aren’t you
7. did they
8. won’t she
9. isn’t it
10. can they
11. aren’t we
12. does he
13. haven’t you
14. isn’t she
15. does it

Part 2:

1. You are going to the concert, aren’t you?

2. She loves ice cream, doesn’t she? (correct as is)
3. They aren't here, are they? (correct as is)
4. We should leave now, shouldn’t we? (correct as is)
5. He doesn’t understand the lesson, does he? (correct as is)
6. The weather is nice today, isn’t it?
7. You can help me with this, can’t you?
8. She is watching a movie, isn’t she?
9. We have enough time, don’t we? (correct as is)
10. He plays the guitar, doesn’t he? (correct as is)
11. Everyone finished the test, didn’t they? (correct as is)
12. You’re tired, aren’t you?
13. They will arrive soon, won’t they? (correct as is)
14. This pizza tastes great, doesn’t it? (correct as is)
15. You can’t see that movie, can you? (correct as is)
 Most Challenging Question Tag

1. Nobody believed the story, __________?

2. The team hasn’t won a match this season, __________?

3. You’re coming to the conference next week, __________?

4. Everyone has finished their assignments, __________?

5. He hardly ever visits his grandparents, __________?

6. There are several solutions to this problem, __________?

7. I can’t believe she said that, __________?

8. The committee will make a decision tomorrow, __________?

9. You would have told me if you knew, __________?

10. Nobody wants to take the lead, __________?

11. I am not mistaken about the deadline, __________?

12. They seldom leave their house after dark, __________?

13. You didn’t know about the change in plans, __________?

14. She has never traveled to Asia, __________?

15. We’re not running late, __________?

16. The lecture was interesting, __________?

17. There’s nothing to worry about, __________?

18. He could have finished the report on time, __________?

19. If you could help me, that would be great, __________?

20. They were watching a movie last night, __________?

21. You haven’t seen my keys, __________?

22. The meeting was rescheduled, __________?

23. This restaurant isn’t very busy, __________?

24. Few people understood the instructions, __________?

25. I should have called you earlier, __________?

26. The results are due tomorrow, __________?

27. You will join us for dinner, __________?

28. It seems like a good idea, __________?

29. She didn’t enjoy the performance, __________?

30. I’m really excited about the trip, __________?

 Answer Key

1. did they?

2. have they?

3. are you?

4. haven’t they?

5. does he?

6. aren’t there?

7. can you?

8. won’t they?

9. would you?

10. do they?

11. am I?

12. do they?

13. did you?

14. has she?

15. are we?

16. was it?

17. is there?

18. couldn’t he?

19. wouldn’t it?

20. were they?

21. have you?

22. was it?

23. is it?

24. did they?

25. shouldn’t I?

26. aren’t they?

27. won’t you?

28. doesn’t it?

29. did she?

30. aren’t I?