Question Tags

​Question Tags
(Confirmation and Agreement)

By wramos

Question Tags (or simply 'tags') are short questions added to the end of a statement.

Their main function is to:

1. Seek Confirmation: To check if the information in the statement is true. (e.g., "It's cold today, isn't it?")

2. Encourage Agreement: To invite the listener to agree with the statement. (e.g., "The movie was amazing, wasn't it?")

The tag always uses the opposite polarity of the main statement

Statement Polarity	Tag Polarity	Example
Positive	Negative	You are ready, aren't you?
Negative	Positive	You aren't ready, are you?

Key Structural Points

1. Use the Auxiliary Verb: The tag uses the same auxiliary verb (or modal verb) as the main sentence.

   • Modal: She can swim, can't she?

   • Present Perfect: They have eaten, haven't they?

   • Past Simple: You arrived late, didn't you?

2. The Subject is a Pronoun: The subject of the tag is always a pronoun (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) that refers to the subject of the main sentence.

   • The director is busy, isn't he?

Important Exceptions

• I am: The negative tag for 'I am' is aren't I?

  • I am right about this, aren't I?

• Let's: The tag for suggestions beginning with 'Let's' is shall we?

  • Let's start the presentation, shall we?

• Imperatives: The tag for commands or requests is often will/won't you?

  • Open the window, will you?

​

"Let's practice"
Complete the following sentences with the correct Question Tag.

Fill in the Blanks

The train is scheduled to leave at five,_

Fill in the Blanks

Your brother worked here a few years ago,_

Fill in the Blanks

We won't need to take any notes,_

Fill in the Blanks

She rarely speaks in public,_

Fill in the Blanks

I am the only person left,_

Fill in the Blanks

You should call your boss immediately,

Fill in the Blanks

Let's order some pizza for lunch,_

Fill in the Blanks

There was no electricity during the storm,_

Fill in the Blanks

Everyone agreed with the new policy, _

Fill in the Blanks

Nobody ever complained about the old system, _