Question Tags (or Tag Questions) are used to check information or to ask for agreement.
|
positive statement |
+ |
negative question tag |
|
negative statement |
positive question tag |
To check information, the tag generally rises in intonation. You are asking a question which requires an answer.
| Example sentence | Answer | Notes |
|
You’re American, aren’t you? |
Yes, I am.
No, I’m not. |
Use the same auxiliary verb in the question tag as in the statement. |
|
You live in Japan, don’t you? |
Yes, I do.
No, I don’t. |
Use do in the question tag if there is no auxiliary verb. |
To ask for agreement, the tag generally has a falling intonation. You are asking a question which does not require an answer. You are making conversation and expect the listener to agree with you.
| Example sentence | Answer | Notes |
|
This book isn’t difficult, is it? |
No, it isn’t. (I agree)
Yes, it is. (I disagree) |
If the statement is negative, then the response is also negative. |
|
It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it? |
Yes, it is. (I agree)
No, it isn’t. (I disagree) |
If the statement is positive, then the response is also positive. |
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