Tag Questions
Tag questions are used when seeking confirmation of what one believes to be true. They restate, in question form, the previously spoken sentence. For example,
Tag questions are used when seeking confirmation of what one believes to be true. They restate, in question form, the previously spoken sentence. For example,
He is an engineer. Isn’t he?
Positive statement, negative tag
They’re not from Colorado. Are they?
Negative statement, positive tag
Zack is really tired. Isn’t he?
>Positive statement, negative tag
She is going to Taiwan, isn’t she?
Positive statement, negative tag
You have never been to Las Vegas. Have you?
Negative statement, positive tag
You went to the supermarket. Didn’t you?
Positive statement, negative tag
Zane doesn’t live in Missouri. Does he?
Negative statement, positive tag
Ms. Zeller has a new car. Doesn’t she?
Positive statement, negative tag
The Rays are playing the Jays. Aren’t they?
Positive statement, negative tag
In tag questions, the corresponding pronoun and the first verb of the corresponding yes/no question are used. Also, notice that with positive statements, negative tag questions are used and vice versa.
See also: Grammar: Yes/No Questions
You are the zookeeper. Yes
You’re the zookeeper. Aren’t you? You come from Canada. No? You come from Canada. Don’t you? You’re the boss. Are you? You’re the boss. Are you? Simon is from Singapore. Isn’t it? Simon is from Singapore. Isn’t he? |
(Incorrect)
(Correct) (Incorrect) (Correct) (Incorrect-in most situations) (Correct) (Incorrect) (Correct) |
I’m the winner. Aren’t I?
Common usage
I’m the winner. Am I not?
Formal