Question Tags

Basically, a question tag is a tiny question that you add at the end of a phrase to confirm information. In other words, in situations where you would ask verdad? or no? in Spanish at the end of a phrase, we use questions tags. And of course, since this is English, it means that it has to be a little more complicated. So, below is a guide to forming and using question tags.


     1) A tag is formed by an auxiliary verb and subject pronoun.

did they? aren’t they? have you?

2) The subject pronoun and auxiliary verb in the tag MUST agree with the subject and auxiliary verb (in both tense and person) in the sentence.

Jane's married, isn't she?

Tarzan and Jane were married, weren't they?

3) a) Positive sentences are followed by negative tags.

     b) and negative sentences are followed by positive tags.

They went home, didn’t they? (a)

They didn't go home, did they? (b)

Note: I am? is irregular in negative tags:

I’m going with you, aren’t I?

4)  If there is NO auxiliary verb or the verb “be” in a positive sentence, use “do” in the tag:

They went home, didn’t they?
You hate question tags, don’t you?