Ever find yourself making a statement but then wanting to check if the other person agrees with you? That’s where question tags come in! These handy little phrases are tacked onto the end of a sentence to turn it into a question. Think of them as the grammar sprinkles you add to your sentences when you need confirmation, agreement, or just want to keep the conversation going.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to form and use question tags correctly, give you practical tips, and help you avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll be adding question tags to your English sentences like a pro!
Let’s dive in!
1. What Are Question Tags?
A question tag is a short question added to the end of a sentence. It’s used to confirm information or check agreement. In English, question tags usually follow this pattern:
- Positive statement → Negative question tag
- Example: You’re coming to the party, aren’t you?
- Negative statement → Positive question tag
- Example: She doesn’t like coffee, does she?
Question tags are perfect for when you’re pretty sure of something but want to double-check. They also make conversations feel more friendly and interactive.
2. How to Form Question Tags
Forming question tags is easy once you know the pattern! Here’s the basic structure:
- Start with a statement (positive or negative).
- Add the opposite form of the statement’s auxiliary or helping verb.
- Finish with the subject (usually a pronoun).
Examples:
- Positive statement → Negative question tag:
- You are a student, aren’t you?
- They can swim, can’t they?
- Negative statement → Positive question tag:
- She isn’t here yet, is she?
- You don’t like spicy food, do you?
What If There’s No Auxiliary Verb?
If the sentence doesn’t have an auxiliary verb (like in the Present Simple or Past Simple), you’ll need to add one. For Present Simple, use do or does. For Past Simple, use did.
- Present Simple:
- You live here, don’t you?
- He eats vegetables, doesn’t he?
- Past Simple:
- She saw the movie, didn’t she?
- They visited Paris, didn’t they?
Practical Tip:
If the statement is positive, the tag is negative. If the statement is negative, the tag is positive!
3. Question Tags with “To Be” and Modal Verbs
Question tags also work with “to be” and modal verbs (like can, will, should, etc.). Just follow the same pattern—reverse the positive/negative form in the tag!
Examples with “To Be”:
- You’re tired, aren’t you?
- They aren’t ready, are they?
Examples with Modal Verbs:
- You can drive, can’t you?
- She won’t be late, will she?
- They should study, shouldn’t they?
Practical Tip:
Modal verbs are great friends with question tags. Just flip the positive or negative form to make your tag!
4. Common Mistakes with Question Tags
Even though question tags are simple, there are a few common mistakes that ESL learners make. Let’s go over them so you can avoid the pitfalls!
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Flip the Tag
- Incorrect: You’re coming, are you?
- Correct: You’re coming, aren’t you?
Tip: Always flip the positive or negative form in the tag. If the statement is positive, the tag should be negative (and vice versa).
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Pronoun in the Tag
- Incorrect: The teacher is nice, isn’t she? (referring to a male teacher)
- Correct: The teacher is nice, isn’t he?
Tip: Make sure the pronoun in the question tag matches the subject of the statement.
Mistake #3: Using “Aren’t I” Instead of “Amn’t I”
Okay, this one’s tricky! In English, there’s no such word as “amn’t” (though it would make sense, wouldn’t it?). Instead, we use “aren’t I” for positive statements with “I”.
- Incorrect: I’m your friend, amn’t I?
- Correct: I’m your friend, aren’t I?
Tip: English is full of strange exceptions, and “aren’t I” is one of them! Just roll with it.
5. Quick Recap Table: Question Tags Made Easy
| Statement Type | Tag Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Statement | Negative Question Tag | You’re happy, aren’t you? |
| Negative Statement | Positive Question Tag | She doesn’t like tea, does she? |
| Present Simple | Do/Does + Tag | He eats meat, doesn’t he? |
| Past Simple | Did + Tag | They visited Rome, didn’t they? |
| Modal Verbs | Modal + Tag | You can sing, can’t you? |
| “To Be” | Are/Is + Tag | They are here, aren’t they? |
6. Conclusion: Question Tags, Mastered!
Question tags are a great way to keep conversations flowing and to check for agreement or confirmation in English. Whether you’re saying something positive or negative, all you have to do is flip the statement and add a tag at the end!
Remember:
- For positive statements, use a negative question tag.
- For negative statements, use a positive question tag.
- Pay attention to the auxiliary verb or modal verb in the sentence, and match the tag accordingly.
- Watch out for tricky exceptions like “aren’t I” instead of “amn’t I”!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be throwing around question tags like a native speaker in no time. Keep practicing, and soon it’ll feel as natural as adding, “isn’t it?”