The document explains question tags, which are short phrases added to the end of sentences to confirm information or seek agreement. It outlines the rules for forming question tags, especially when switching between positive and negative statements, and includes examples for clarity. Additionally, it provides practice exercises to complete the sentences with the correct question tags.

1. Question tags

2. Question tags
1. Use
• A question tag is a short phrase that is added to the end of a
sentence (usually in spoken English) to check information or to
ask if someone agrees with you.
‘The weather’s cold for this time of year, isn’t it?’
If you are sure or almost sure that the listener will agree with
you, your voice goes down. If it is a real question, we say the
question tag with a rising intonation.

3. Question tags
2. Form
 positive statement →  negative question tag
- You are Peter, aren't you?
- Yes, I am.
 negative statement → positive question tag
- He isn't at home, is he?
- No, he isn’t.

4. Affirmative statement + negative question tag
You are tired, aren’t you?
He has bought a new house, hasn’t he?
You play the guitar, don’t you?
The children were hungry, weren’t they?
Sue worked hard, didn’t she?
Tom will visit us soon, won’t he?
They should be more careful, shouldn’t they?

5. Negative statement + positive question tag
He isn’t a talkative person, is he?
You haven’t got a bike, have you?
Tom doesn’t live here, does he?
They weren’t late for school, were they?
You didn’t enjoy the meal, did you?
You can’t speak French, can you?
You won’t go jogging before breakfast, will you?

6. Question tags
NOTES:
Although the negative word not is not in the sentence, the sentence
can be negative. Then we use the positive question tag.
Ex.: He never/hardly ever/rarely goes out with his friends, does he?
1

7. Question tags
NOTES:
We use will with imperatives.
Ex.: Open your books, will you?
2

8. Question tags
NOTES:
We use shall after Let’s.
Ex.: It’s getting late. Let's call a taxi, shall we?
I’m hungry. Let’s eat, shall we?
3

9. Question tags
NOTES:
Note we say I am…, …aren’t I?
Ex.: I am very nervous, aren’t I?
4

10. Question tags
LET’S PRACTISE!

11. Question tags
Complete the sentences with the correct question tag.
1. We should leave before it gets too cold, ___________?
2. You'd like a glass of water, ____________?
3. They mustn't go too near the forest, _________?
4. You'll meet Ann tomorrow, _________?
5. We won't be late for the party, _______?
shouldn't we
wouldn’t you
must they
won’t you
will we

12. Question tags
6. We can go to the cinema, ________?
7. You've seen this film already, __________?
8. Your girlfriend has never been to Paris, _______?
9. You're seeing Amy next week, __________?
10. I'm not speaking first at the wedding, _____?
haven’t you
has she
aren’t you
am I
can’t we

13. Question tags