Question Tags Part-1

Question Tags are more common in speaking than in writing. These are special constructions in the English Language.

Question Tags are small questions that are attached to the statements. We use them when we expect the listener to agree with our statement.

Let’s see how we use them in sentences.

# When the statement is positive, we use a negative question tag.

She is a teacher, isn’t she?

Yesterday was very hot, wasn’t it?

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

Suresh is not coming, is he?

She has not attended the party, has she?

# If there is an auxiliary verb in the statement, we have to use it in the question tag

The watchman didn’t come, did he?

Your brother has gone to Kanpur, hasn’t he?

It is raining outside, isn’t it?

# When there is no auxiliary verb in the statement, we use don’t/didn’t/doesn’t in the tags.

Arundhati writes novels, doesn’t she?

I told him not to come, didn’t I?

# If there is a modal verb in the statement, we use that verb in the question tag.

They could buy the house, couldn’t they?

He won’t complain, will he?

# If the auxiliary or main verb in the statement is ‘am’, the positive question tag is ‘am I?’ but, the negative question tag is ‘aren’t I?’

I am not late, am I?

I am soon going to get a reply, aren’t I?

( This is only a brief sketch, we shall discuss the remaining parts elsewhere )

Practice

Use appropriate questions tags in the following blanks.

1. Keervani is a musician, __________?

2. Your father brought some mangoes, ___________?

3. They haven't finished the house, __________?

4. I am a lecturer, _________?

5. His parents are not coming this Sunday, __________?

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