Master Question Tags in English

1. The Core Balancing Rule#

The golden rule of question tags is that the tag must be the opposite polarity of the statement:

• Rule 1: A positive statement takes a negative tag.
  • Example: You are a student, aren’t you?
• Rule 2: A negative statement takes a positive tag.
  • Example: You aren’t tired, are you?

2. Matching Tenses and Auxiliaries#

The verb in the question tag must match the tense and auxiliary verb of the statement. If there is no auxiliary (Simple Present/Past), we use do, does, or did.

A. Sentences with Auxiliary Verbs, Be, or Modals

Copy the auxiliary/modal and invert it:

• Present Continuous: She is studying, isn’t she?
• Present Perfect: They have eaten, haven’t they?
• Modal: We should leave, shouldn’t we?

B. Sentences without Auxiliary Verbs

Use the correct form of do:

• Simple Present: He likes coffee, doesn’t he? (Singular subject).
• Simple Present: They play tennis, don’t they? (Plural subject).
• Simple Past: You went to the doctor, didn’t you? (Past tense).

3. Special Exceptions to the Rules#

English has several unique exceptions when forming question tags. You should memorize these:

Exception 1: “I am” Questions

When the statement starts with I am, the negative tag is aren’t I.

• Correct: I am late, aren’t I?
• Incorrect: I am late, am not I? / amn’t I?
  Note: If the statement is negative, the tag remains regular: I am not late, am I?

Exception 2: Imperatives (Commands / Requests)

For commands or requests, the tag is usually will you or would you, regardless of the verb in the command.

• Positive command: Close the door, will you? / won’t you?
• Negative command: Don’t touch that, will you?

Exception 3: Let’s Suggestions

Suggestions starting with Let’s always take the tag shall we.

• Example: Let’s go for a walk, shall we?

Next, we will explore Indirect Questions to learn how to ask questions politely and formally in social and professional settings.