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:
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If the statement is positive, we use a negative question tag.
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Example: “She’s a doctor, isn’t she?”
If the statement is negative, we use a positive question tag.
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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:
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For present simple or past simple positive statements, use “don’t,” “doesn’t,” or “didn’t.”
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Example: “Jenni eats cheese, doesn’t she?”
For “to be” in present simple or past simple, use “isn’t it?” or “weren’t they.”
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Example: “The bus stop’s over there, isn’t it?”
For modal verbs, use the modal verb in the question tag.
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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.
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Example: “I’m never on time, am I?”