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Tag Questions

Tag questions are small questions attached to the end of statements. They are used to check information with others or seek confirmation. There are rules for forming tag questions based on whether the statement is positive or negative. For example, a positive statement takes a negative tag and vice versa. Additional rules specify which pronouns to use in tag questions based on the subject of the statement, such as using "he" for people and "it" for things.

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Luiz Henrique Caracas
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88 views5 pages

Tag Questions

Tag questions are small questions attached to the end of statements. They are used to check information with others or seek confirmation. There are rules for forming tag questions based on whether the statement is positive or negative. For example, a positive statement takes a negative tag and vice versa. Additional rules specify which pronouns to use in tag questions based on the subject of the statement, such as using "he" for people and "it" for things.

Uploaded by

Luiz Henrique Caracas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TAG QUESTIONS

SOURCE:
PAGE, Mary ellen Muñoz. ESL – Writing (Intermediate & Advanced). USA:
Research & Education Association. 2010.
ELC Study Zone – http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/410-
embedded-questions.htm
TAG QUESTIONS
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?
Sentence Pattern

If the sentence is positive, the


tag is usually negative, as in the
next example.

You told him, didn’t you?


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
Wait here until I return, will you?
sentences (commands).
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 You have enough money, haven’t
the main verb of the sentence. you? (British English)
You have enough money, don’t you? (North
American English)
7. Use pronouns for people, not proper
Paul is a good tennis player, isn’t he?
names, in question tags.
Betty has a good job, hasn’t she?

8. Use “it” in a question tag when the


sentence includes the words “this” or This is your pen, isn’t it?
“that”.
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


There is a lot of work to do today, isn’t
sentences includes “there + a form of be”.
there?

11. Use “they” in a question tag when the


sentence includes indefinite pronouns
(nobody, no one, someone, somebody, Everyone is here now, aren’t they?
everyone, everybody). Nobody has eaten yet, have they?

12. Use “didn’t” in a question tag when the


You used to go skating very often, didn’t
sentence includes the verb “used to”.
you?”

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