What Are Question Tags?
Question tags are short questions we add to the end of statements to ask for confirmation or agreement. They are very common in spoken English. If the statement is positive, the tag is usually negative. If the statement is negative, the tag is usually positive. The tag uses the same auxiliary verb (be, have, do) as the main statement.
Examples — page 1 of 4
You're coming to the party tonight, aren't you?
Positive statement + negative tag · Everyday conversation
She doesn't like coffee, does she?
Negative statement + positive tag · Casual chat
They've finished their homework, haven't they?
Positive statement + negative tag · Parent to child
He didn't call you yesterday, did he?
Negative statement + positive tag · Sympathetic tone
We can meet next week, can't we?
Positive statement + negative tag · Making plans
This isn't the right way, is it?
Negative statement + positive tag · Asking for direction help
The meeting was important, wasn't it?
Positive statement + negative tag · Workplace reflection
You won't be late, will you?
Negative statement + positive tag · Expressing concern
I'm doing this correctly, aren't I?
Positive statement + negative tag · Seeking reassurance
They haven't arrived yet, have they?
Negative statement + positive tag · Checking status
Signal words
aren't you
aren't I
isn't she
isn't it
isn't he
aren't they
wasn't it
weren't they
doesn't she
don't you
didn't he
did you
doesn't it
don't they
haven't they
haven't you
hasn't she
haven't I
have they
hasn't he
can't we
can't you
can't they
can't I
will you
won't you
won't they
will they
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- Question tags are short questions added to statements to ask for confirmation or agreement.
- If the statement is positive, use a negative tag; if negative, use a positive tag.
- The tag must use the same auxiliary verb (be, have, do) as the main statement.
- Question tags are very common in spoken English for natural conversation and confirmation.
- Pay attention to auxiliary verbs—use the correct one matching the statement's tense and structure.