Question Tags

Question tags are short questions that are added to statements or imperatives to turn into questions. We use it to confirm the information.

Auxiliary verbs of Tags:

1. Use the auxiliary of the statement as the auxiliary of the tag. Contracted forms should be used.

• He didn't invite you, did he?

1. Use the first auxiliary verb to form tag questions.

• He will have a new bike, won't he?

1. If there is no auxiliary verb in the sentences we use do verbs.to form tag questions.

• She sings well, doesn't she?

1. Singular auxiliary verbs( is, was, has, does) change to plural auxiliary verbs (are, were, have, do) to form tags if the subjects of the statements are somebody, someone, nobody, etc.

• Somebody helps me, don't they?

The subject of tags:

• Use the subject pronouns of the statements as the subjects of tags.
• If there are nouns, indefinite pronouns, or two pronouns in the subject, replace them with single pronouns.

Chart showing subject of tags:

Question tags with imperatives

When we use question tags with imperatives, we usually use won't for invitations and can, can't, will, would to others and will with negative imperatives.

• Have some juice, won't you?
• Close the window, would you?
• Let's go, shall we?
• Don't do it again, will you?

Things to remember:

• Question tags are short questions that are added to statements or imperatives to turn into questions.
• Use the auxiliary of the statement as the auxiliary of the tag.
• Use the subject pronouns of the statements as the subjects of tags.
• Use the first auxiliary verb to form tag questions.