Mastering Question Tags

What is a question tag?

• A question tag is a synonym for a question.

• A question tag is a type of punctuation used in writing.

• A question tag is a formal way to ask for permission.

• A question tag is a short phrase added to the end of a statement to form a question.

How do you form a question tag for a positive statement?

• Repeat the statement as a question without a tag.

• Use a question mark at the end of the statement.

• Add a negative tag, e.g., 'isn't it?' for 'It is sunny.'

• Add a positive tag, e.g., 'is it?' for 'It is sunny.'

What is the question tag for the statement: 'You are coming, ___'?

• aren't you?

• are you not?

• you are?

• isn't it?

How do you form a question tag for a negative statement?

• You must always use 'isn't it?' for negative statements.

• You use a positive tag, e.g., 'does she?' for 'She doesn't like coffee.'

• You use a negative tag, e.g., 'doesn't she?' for 'She doesn't like coffee.'

• You can use any tag regardless of the statement's polarity.

What is the question tag for the statement: 'She isn't here, ___'?

• isn't she?

• is she not?

• is she?

• she is?

If the main verb is 'is', what is the question tag for 'He is a teacher, ___'?

• is he?

• isn't he?

• wasn't he?

• isn't it?

What is the question tag for the statement: 'They can swim, ___'?

• can you?

• they can?

• can they?

• can they not?

• can't they?

How do you form a question tag when the subject is 'I'?

• isn't I

• am not I

• I am not?

• Use 'am I' for positive and 'aren't I' for negative.

What is the question tag for the statement: 'You don't like coffee, ___'?

• do you?

• does he?

• aren't you?

• do they?

What is the question tag for the statement: 'It's a beautiful day, ___'?

• wasn't it?

• isn't it?

• is it?

• doesn't it?