Question Tags
Question tags are short phrases added to the end of a statement to turn it into a question. They are used to seek confirmation, agreement, or to invite a response from the listener.
Structure
1. Positive Statement: If the statement is positive, the question tag is usually negative.
- Example: You like coffee, don't you?
2. Negative Statement: If the statement is negative, the question tag is usually positive.
- Example: She didn't go to the party, did she?
Usage
1. Seeking Confirmation: Question tags are often used to seek confirmation or agreement from the listener.
- Example: You enjoyed the movie, didn't you?
2. Softening Statements: They can be used to soften statements or make requests more polite.
- Example: It's a beautiful day, isn't it?
3. Expressing Doubt or Surprise: Question tags can express doubt or surprise about something.
- Example: You finished all your homework already, did you?
4. Showing Interest: They can be used to show interest or encourage conversation.
- Example: You're going to the concert, aren't you?
Forming Question Tags
1. Subject Pronoun: The subject pronoun in the question tag matches the subject of the statement.
- Example: She is coming, isn't she?
2. Auxiliary Verb or Modal: The question tag typically contains an auxiliary verb or modal that matches the tense of the main verb.
- Example: They have finished, haven't they?
3. Negative Contractions: The negative form of the auxiliary verb or modal is used in the question tag.
- Example: You can swim, can't you?
4. No Auxiliary Verb: If the statement doesn't have an auxiliary verb, the appropriate form of 'do' is used in the question tag.
- Example: He likes ice cream, doesn't he?
Intonation
- The intonation of question tags is important in conveying the speaker's attitude or mood. Rising intonation is used for real questions seeking information, while falling intonation is used for rhetorical questions or statements.
- Example (rising intonation): You're coming to the party, aren't you?
- Example (falling intonation): You're not going to miss the deadline, are you?
Common Mistakes
1. Incorrect Agreement: Ensure that the subject pronoun and verb tense in the question tag agree with the subject and verb tense of the statement.
- Incorrect: She is coming, aren't she?
- Correct: She is coming, isn't she?
2. Using 'Isn't it' Universally: While 'isn't it' is commonly used, it may not be suitable in all contexts. Ensure that the question tag matches the statement appropriately.
- Incorrect: It's a beautiful day, isn't it?
- Correct: You enjoyed the movie, didn't you?