Question tags

Introduction:

Question tags are short questions added to the end of a statement to turn it into a question. They are used to check information or ask for confirmation or agreement.

Formation:

Question tags are formed by adding an auxiliary verb (do, be, have, modal verbs) to the end of the statement, followed by a pronoun that matches the subject of the sentence. If the statement is positive, the question tag is negative, and vice versa.

Negative sentence + positive tag

Tom won’t be late, will he? 

They don’t like us, do they? 

She is not going with us, isn’t she? 

And normally, we use a negative question tag with a positive sentence: 

Negative sentence + positive tag

Tom will be here, won’t he? 

They like us, don’t they? 

She is going with us, is she? 

Examples:

- You like coffee, don't you?

- He doesn't like spicy food, does he?

- They have seen that movie, haven't they?

- She is coming with us, isn't she?

- We should start now, shouldn't we?

Usage:

Question tags can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

- To check the information: You work in the marketing department, don't you?

- To ask for confirmation: It is a beautiful day, isn't it?

- To express surprise or disbelief: He failed the test again, didn't he?

- To make suggestions or give commands: Let's (let us) go for a walk, shall we?

- To show agreement or disagreement: You like sports, don't you? Actually, I don't.