English Structure: Question Tags - JSS3 English language Lesson Note

English Structure: Question Tags

They are a useful grammatical structure often used in conversations to seek agreement, express doubt, or seek clarification. Here’s how they work:

Formation of Question Tags:

We add question tags to a statement to turn it into a question.

Question tags are more common in speaking than writing.

When we expect the listener to agree with our statement:

• • • If the statement is positive, we use a negative question tag.

      • Example: “She’s a doctor, isn’t she?”

    • If the statement is negative, we use a positive question tag.

      • Example: “He isn’t here, is he?”

    • If we’re sure the listener will confirm our statement, we use a falling intonation. If less sure, we use a rising intonation.

Formation Rules:

If there’s an auxiliary verb in the statement, use it to form the question tag.

Example: “I don’t need to finish this today, do I?”

If no auxiliary verb exists:

• • • For present simple or past simple positive statements, use “don’t,” “doesn’t,” or “didn’t.”

      • Example: “Jenni eats cheese, doesn’t she?”

    • For “to be” in present simple or past simple, use “isn’t it?” or “weren’t they.”

      • Example: “The bus stop’s over there, isn’t it?”

    • For modal verbs, use the modal verb in the question tag.

      • Example: “They could hear me, couldn’t they?”

    • If the main verb or auxiliary verb is “am,” use “am I?” for positive and “aren’t I?” for negative.

      • Example: “I’m never on time, am I?”