Unit 12: TAG QUESTIONS
We can use tag questions in speaking, and sometimes in writing, at the end of a sentence. We use only the first auxiliary verb -- the same as with short answers (Unit 11).
Affirmative sentences
With AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCES (+) use a NEGATIVE TAG (-).
He was on the team last year, wasn't he?
She has been swimming, hasn't she?
We should have left earlier, shouldn't we?
With one-word verb formations, use the correct form of the verb do (Unit 15):
You like rock music, don't you? (NOT liken't you?)
He studies hard, doesn't he?
They went yesterday, didn't they?
Negative sentences
With NEGATIVE SENTENCES (-) use an AFFIRMATIVE TAG (+).
John is not an accountant, is he?
You don't like classical music, do you? NOT like you?
She hasn't been playing tennis, has she?
The students couldn't do the test, could they?
Using tag questions
TO CHECK SOMETHING
You play football, don't you?
John doesn't like milk, does he?
WHEN YOU WANT SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING
It's a lovely day, isn't it? (I want you to agree.)
You're a mechanic, aren't you? (I want help with my car.)
TO SHOW SURPRISE (WITH NEGATIVE STATEMENTS ONLY)
You don't play football, do you? (I have just learnt that you play football, but this surprises me).
