Question Tags

Question tags are a crucial part of English grammar, used to turn statements into questions. They help facilitate conversation and seek confirmation or agreement. In this guide, we’ll explore what question tags are, how and when they are used, provide examples and exercises.

What are Question Tags?

Question tags are short questions added to the end of a statement to turn it into a question. They are commonly used in spoken English to confirm information or seek agreement.

Structure of Question Tags

The structure of a question tag typically involves two components:

1. An auxiliary or modal verb from the main statement.
2. A pronoun that matches the subject of the main statement.

Examples:

• You are coming, aren’t you?
• She can swim, can’t she?

How to Use Question Tags

Positive Statements with Negative Tags

When the main statement is positive, the question tag is usually negative.

Examples:

• You like pizza, don’t you?
• He is a teacher, isn’t he?

Negative Statements with Positive Tags

When the main statement is negative, the question tag is usually positive.

Examples:

• You don’t like pizza, do you?
• He isn’t a teacher, is he?

Using Question Tags with Different Tenses

Question tags can be used with various tenses. The auxiliary or modal verb in the question tag must match the tense of the main statement.

Present Simple:

• She plays the piano, doesn’t she?
• They don’t live here, do they?

Past Simple:

• He went to the market, didn’t he?
• You didn’t see her, did you?

Present Continuous:

• They are coming, aren’t they?
• She isn’t studying, is she?

Past Continuous:

• He was reading a book, wasn’t he?
• They weren’t watching TV, were they?

Present Perfect:

• You have finished your homework, haven’t you?
• She hasn’t called yet, has she?

Future:

• They will come, won’t they?
• You won’t forget, will you?

When to Use Question Tags

Question tags are used in various contexts, including:

Confirming Information

To confirm information or check if something is true.

• You have finished the report, haven’t you?

Seeking Agreement

To seek agreement or approval from the listener.

• It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?

Expressing Surprise

To express surprise or disbelief.

• She passed the exam, didn’t she?

Softening Commands

To soften commands or requests.

• Close the door, won’t you?

Examples of Question Tags

1. You are John, aren’t you?
2. She doesn’t like coffee, does she?
3. They were playing football, weren’t they?
4. He has seen that movie, hasn’t he?
5. We will meet at 6 PM, won’t we?
6. You can swim, can’t you?
7. She wasn’t there, was she?
8. They have left, haven’t they?
9. It’s raining, isn’t it?
10. You won’t forget, will you?

Question Tags Exercises

1. You like chocolate, ________?
2. He isn’t coming, ________?
3. They were at the party, ________?
4. She has finished her homework, ________?
5. We can’t go, ________?
6. You are tired, ________?
7. He didn’t call, ________?
8. They will help us, ________?
9. It isn’t cold, ________?
10. She was reading a book, ________?

Answers:

1. don’t you
2. is he
3. weren’t they
4. hasn’t she
5. can we
6. aren’t you
7. did he
8. won’t they
9. is it
10. wasn’t she

Understanding and using question tags correctly can greatly enhance your conversational skills in English. Use this guide to practice and master the art of question tags!