Question Tag

 Question Tag

A question tag is a short question added to the end of a statement, turning it into a question. Question tags are used to confirm information, seek agreement, or invite a response from the listener. They often reflect the speaker's expectations or attitudes.

The formation of question tags depends on the tense and auxiliary/modal verbs used in the main statement. Here are the basic rules:

Positive Statement:

• If the main statement is positive, the question tag is negative.
  • Example: You are coming to the party, aren't you?

Negative Statement:

• If the main statement is negative, the question tag is positive.
  • Example: She doesn't like coffee, does she?

Tense and Auxiliary Verbs:

• For statements in the present simple tense, the auxiliary verb "do" is used in the question tag.
  • Example: He likes swimming, doesn't he?
• For statements in the past simple tense, the auxiliary verb "did" is used.
  • Example: They went to the concert, didn't they?
• If there's a modal verb in the main statement, the same modal verb is used in the question tag.
  • Example: You can swim, can't you?

Specific Cases:

• If the main statement contains a positive imperative (command), the question tag is negative.
  • Example: Close the window, won't you?
• If the main statement contains a negative imperative, the question tag is positive.
  • Example: Don't forget to call, will you?

Question tags help in engaging listeners and encouraging them to respond, confirming information, or seeking clarification. The intonation used when speaking question tags can also convey different meanings, such as surprise, uncertainty, or emphasis.