Question tags

Розділові питання

Use

• Question tags are used at the end of the sentences if we are not absolutely sure about something and wish someone else to confirm it.

We put them• On the end of a sentence

Formula

[sentence], + auxiliary verb + (not) + pronoun?

question tag

He likes coffee, does not he?They came by car, did not they?Ann will be here soon, won’t she?

Auxiliary verb we put in tag depends on grammar tenseof the sentence

Normally we use positive question tag with a negative sentence

negative sentence + positive tag

Tom won’t be late, will he?They don’t like us, do they?That isn’t John over there, is

he?

And normally we use negative question tag with a positive sentence

positive sentence + negative tag

Tom should pass his exam, shouldn’t he?They were very angry, weren’t they?You haven’t seen George today, have

you?

After Let’s … the question tag is shall we?

• Let’s go out for a walk, shall we?

After the imperative (do/don’t do something ) the tag is will you ?

• Open the door, will you?• Don’t be late, will you?

Pronunciation

• pronounce question tags with a rising intonation ( ) when we are not sure and expect an answer, or a falling intonation ( ) when we are sure and don’t really expect an answer.