Tag Questions: Positive and Negative Forms
Tag questions are short questions added to the end of a statement to confirm or seek agreement. They consist of an auxiliary verb and a pronoun. The key to constructing tag questions correctly lies in understanding the relationship between the statement and the tag.
Here's how it works:
1. Positive Statement - Negative Tag:
* If the statement is positive, the tag question is negative.
* Example: You are going to the party, aren't you?
2. Negative Statement - Positive Tag:
* If the statement is negative, the tag question is positive.
* Example: You are not going to the party, are you?
Rules for Constructing Tags:
* Auxiliary Verbs: The tag question uses the same auxiliary verb as the statement.
* Example: She has been to Paris, hasn't she?
* Pronoun Agreement: The pronoun in the tag question agrees with the subject of the statement.
* Example: They are playing soccer, aren't they?
* Contractions: Tags are often contracted for ease of speech.
* Example: You're coming, aren't you?
* Imperative Statements: Tags for imperative statements use "will you" or "won't you".
* Example: Close the door, will you?
* "Let's" Statements: Tags for "let's" statements use "shall we?".
* Example: Let's go to the beach, shall we?
Special Cases:
* "I am" Statements: The tag for "I am" is "aren't I?"
* Example: I am tired, aren't I?
* "Nothing" and "Nobody" Statements: These statements are considered negative, so the tag is positive.
* Example: Nobody likes spinach, do they?
Remember: The main purpose of tag questions is to seek confirmation or agreement. Choose the correct form of the tag to maintain the logical relationship with the statement.