Amerilingua

Grammar: Question Tags

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First Impression
First Impression
How can you make a good first impression on your new boss or potential partner? In this lesson, students will learn about making first impressions when meeting someone new. The lesson features a video of two people meeting for the first time and making assumptions about each other’s lives. Students will learn and practice using question tags and relevant vocabulary related to this topic. The lesson is designed to help students engage with the material and improve their conversational skills in real-life situations.
B1 Intermediate   |   General English, Speaking Lessons   |   Video   |   Relationships, People   |   45 min   | B1-21

In English grammar, “question tags” are a useful feature for asking for confirmation or making conversation more interactive. They are used similarly in both British and American English. Here's a guide to understanding and using question tags:

1. What are Question Tags?: Question tags are short questions added at the end of a statement. They turn the statement into a question and are used to confirm the information or ask for agreement.

2. Forming Question Tags:

  • Typically, a question tag is formed with an auxiliary verb (like 'do', 'have', 'is', 'can') and a pronoun. The tag is the opposite of the statement (positive statement, negative tag; negative statement, positive tag). For example, "You're coming, aren't you?" or "She isn't here, is she?"
  • If the statement has an auxiliary verb, the same verb is used in the tag. If not, 'do' is used (e.g., "He likes coffee, doesn’t he?").
3. Usage in Conversation: Question tags are often used in spoken English to engage the listener, check something, or confirm a detail. For instance, "It’s a nice day, isn’t it?"

Tone and Intonation: The intonation of the question tag can change the meaning. Rising intonation (voice goes up at the end) usually indicates a real question. Falling intonation (voice goes down) suggests the speaker is only seeking agreement or confirmation.

4. Special Cases:

  • With 'I am', the tag is usually 'aren't I?' (e.g., "I'm early, aren't I?")
  • Imperative sentences can also have tags, like "Close the door, will you?"

5. Formal Writing: While question tags are common in spoken English and informal writing, they are used sparingly in formal writing.

Understanding how to use question tags correctly can make your English sound more natural and conversational. They are a key part of daily communication, especially in informal chats and discussions.