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Mastering ‘Question Tags’, In this blog post, we’ll explore the rules and considerations for using question tags effectively, and provide you with 25 example sentences.

Question tags are a useful linguistic tool that can help you clarify and seek confirmation or agreement in English conversations. Whether you’re engaging in casual chats or formal discussions, understanding and correctly using question tags can enhance your communication skills.

1. Positive Statement, Negative Question Tag: Example: She is a doctor, isn’t she? Explanation: The positive statement is followed by a negative question tag to seek confirmation or agreement from the listener.
2. Negative Statement, Positive Question Tag: Example: They didn’t attend the meeting, did they? Explanation: The negative statement is accompanied by a positive question tag, which expects the listener to confirm or agree with the statement.
3. Present Continuous Statement, Question Tag: Example: You’re enjoying the party, aren’t you? Explanation: The present continuous statement is followed by a question tag to seek confirmation about the ongoing action.
4. Past Continuous Statement, Question Tag: Example: He was studying all night, wasn’t he? Explanation: The past continuous statement is accompanied by a question tag to verify the action that was happening in the past.
5. Present Perfect Statement, Question Tag: Example: She has finished her work, hasn’t she? Explanation: The present perfect statement is followed by a question tag to confirm the completion of an action.
6. Past Perfect Statement, Question Tag: Example: They had already left, hadn’t they? Explanation: The past perfect statement is accompanied by a question tag to confirm a previous action.
7. Modal Verb Statement, Question Tag: Example: You can swim, can’t you? Explanation: The modal verb statement is followed by a question tag to seek confirmation or agreement regarding an ability or permission.
8. Imperative Statement, Question Tag: Example: Open the window, will you? Explanation: The imperative statement is followed by a question tag that acts as a polite request for the listener to comply.
9. Let’s Statement, Shall We? Question Tag: Example: Let’s go to the movies, shall we? Explanation: The “let’s” statement is accompanied by the question tag “shall we?” to suggest an activity and seek agreement or confirmation.
10. Tag Questions with “Or Not”: Example: She will be here soon, or won’t she? Explanation: The question tag “or won’t she?” is used to seek confirmation about the likelihood of the stated action happening.

Rules and Points to Consider

Mastering Question Tags in English | Rules

1. Use the opposite form of the main clause in the question tag.
2. Maintain subject-verb agreement between the main clause and the question tag.
3. Use a rising intonation when asking a question with a question tag.
4. Adjust the pronoun and auxiliary verb according to the subject of the main clause.
5. Use positive question tags for negative statements and vice versa.
6. Use question tags to seek confirmation or agreement from the listener.
7. Consider the appropriateness of using a question tag based on the context and relationship with the listener.
8. Pay attention to the choice of question tags to match the tone and intent of your statement.

Question tags are powerful tools that facilitate effective communication and seek confirmation or agreement. By mastering the rules and understanding the various types of question tags, you can enhance your English conversational skills.

Practice using question tags in different contexts to become more confident in engaging with others. Remember, the key is to consider the tone and intent of your statement while selecting the appropriate question tag. Happy conversing!

25 example sentenses with question tags

Positive Statement, Negative Question Tag:

1. He’s a talented musician, isn’t he?
2. They finished the project on time, didn’t they?
3. She loves to travel, doesn’t she?
4. You’ve met John before, haven’t you?
5. The weather is lovely today, isn’t it?
6. We can count on your support, can’t we?
7. The movie was great, wasn’t it?
8. He plays the guitar very well, doesn’t he?
9. She knows the answer, doesn’t she?
10. You enjoyed the concert, didn’t you?

Negative Statement, Positive Question Tag

11. They don’t like spicy food, do they?

12. He didn’t attend the meeting, did he?
13. She never misses her morning jog, does she?
14. You haven’t seen that movie, have you?
15. They won’t be late, will they?
16. The food wasn’t delicious, was it?
17. He can’t speak French, can he?
18. She didn’t finish her homework, did she?
19. You aren’t afraid of heights, are you?
20. They haven’t traveled abroad, have they?

Present Continuous Statement, Question Tag

21. You’re enjoying the party, aren’t you?

22. They’re going on vacation next week, aren’t they?
23. She’s working hard on her project, isn’t she?
24. You’re not feeling tired, are you?
25. He’s not leaving early, is he?

Please note that some of the question tags in the examples above may vary depending on the intended meaning or regional differences.