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B1Questions

Tag Questions

1

What is it?

A tag question is a short question attached to the end of a statement, used to check information, seek agreement, or invite a response. In English, tag questions are formed by using the auxiliary verb from the main clause in the opposite polarity (positive → negative tag, negative → positive tag), followed by the appropriate subject pronoun.

2

How to form it

SubjectPositiveNegativeQuestion
Positive statement → negative tagShe's coming, isn't she?They arrived on time, didn't they?He can drive, can't he?
Negative statement → positive tagShe's not coming, is she?They didn't arrive, did they?He can't drive, can he?
With modal verbsYou should call him, shouldn't you?She won't be late, will she?We could try again, couldn't we?
Present perfectThey've finished, haven't they?You haven't seen it, have you?
Imperative (special cases)Open the window, will you? (request)Don't be late, will you?Let's go, shall we?
  • • Match the auxiliary from the main clause in the tag: "She is..." → "isn't she?"
  • • No auxiliary in main clause? Use "do/does/did": "He works here, doesn't he?"
  • • Positive statement → negative tag. Negative statement → positive tag.
  • • Always use a pronoun (not a noun) in the tag: "The train left, didn't it?" (not "didn't the train")
  • • Special: "I am right, aren't I?" (NOT "amn't I" in standard English).
  • • Imperative requests: "...will you?" or "...would you?" Suggestions with "Let's": "...shall we?"
  • • Intonation: falling tone = you're fairly sure; rising tone = genuinely asking.
3

When to use it

  1. 1

    Seek agreement (usually falling intonation)

    It's a lovely day, isn't it?

  2. 2

    Check information (rising intonation)

    You're the new manager, aren't you?

  3. 3

    Polite request (imperative)

    Could you close the door, would you?

  4. 4

    Suggestions with "Let's"

    Let's take a break, shall we?

  5. 5

    Express surprise or disbelief

    You didn't tell her, did you?

4

Common mistakes

She works here, isn't it?

She works here, doesn't she?

Match the auxiliary (present simple → does) and the subject pronoun (she).

He's been here before, hasn't he?

He's been here before, hasn't he? — This is CORRECT.

"Have" is the auxiliary in present perfect. "He's been" → "hasn't he". Correct.

I am wrong, amn't I?

I am wrong, aren't I?

"Aren't I?" is the standard form for "am I not?" in tag questions.

5

Quick reference

  • Positive statement → negative tag.
  • Negative statement → positive tag.
  • Match the auxiliary verb from the main clause.
  • No auxiliary? Use do/does/did.
  • Always use a subject pronoun in the tag.
  • "I am..., aren't I?" is the special form for first person.
  • Imperative: "...will you?" Suggestions: "Let's..., shall we?"
6

Natural conversation example

Two friends plan a weekend away.

P

Pip

You've been to Cornwall before, haven't you?
R

Ren

Once, yes. It's beautiful, isn't it?
P

Pip

It is. You didn't drive there, did you? We should probably take the train.
R

Ren

Good idea. The roads can be terrible, can't they?
P

Pip

Let's book early, shall we? The prices go up in summer.
R

Ren

Agreed. You're not thinking of going in August, are you?
P

Pip

No, June is better. It won't be as busy, will it?
R

Ren

Hopefully not. You'll sort the accommodation, won't you?

Practice Exercises

Write the correct tag question.

  1. 1.
    She's leaving tomorrow, ?
  2. 2.
    They didn't call back, ?
  3. 3.
    You've met him before, ?
  4. 4.
    He can't swim, ?
  5. 5.
    We should book now, ?
  6. 6.
    It isn't ready yet, ?
  7. 7.
    You speak French, ?
  8. 8.
    Let's start, ?
  9. 9.
    I'm the last one, ?
  10. 10.
    Pass me that, ?
Negative QuestionsAll TopicsDo / Does / Am / Is / Are

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