Question Tags

TB Chapter 2 Supplementary Notes

Preview Exercise
We shall have to be punctual, ____________? They would go, ____________? That is not the book she wants, ____________? Hed rather wait a little longer, ____________? I can play the guitar, ____________? You and I did it together, ____________?
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When do we use question tags?

when we know and are certain about sth reconfirm what we understand when we expect others to agree with us (use falling intonation) = fall of the pitch of voice in speaking affects meaning of what is said when we ask questions or check information (use rising intonation)
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What are the forms?

After statements, not questions Small questions comes at the ends of sentences You are a bad man, arent you? Arent you: the question tag after the statement the small question at the end of the sentence
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 Positive (affirmative) statements: + or - ve tags Its hot, isnt it?

Negative statements: + or - ve tags It isnt hot, is it?

Remember to use the verb in the statement to form the verb in the question tag principal auxiliary verbs modal auxiliary verbs If there is no auxiliary verbs, what can we use?

If you request for sth, what is the question tag we can make? -ve? +ve?

How can reply to question tags? Use the verb in the statement e.g. Ronald doesnt like smoking, does he? No, he doesnt. Peter likes music, doesnt he? Yes, he does.

Important points (TB p30)

What is the question tag for Lets? Auxiliary verb? Shall / will Pronoun? We / you e.g. Lets go, ___________? Lets go, shall

we / will you?
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After imperatives, when do we use wont you? ask or order people to do things e.g. Do sit down, wont you? ask sb to sit down immediately Shut up, cant you? ask sb to stop talking at once

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After imperatives, when can we use will / would / can / could you? request or invite people to do things e.g. Give me a hand, will you? invite sb to help you Open a window, would you? invite / request people to open the window
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For imperatives, what can we use after a negative one? e.g. Dont forget, ____________? will

you?

Do/Dont?

wont

you / will you?

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After I am in the statement, what is the question tag? arent I? e.g. I am very tired, _____________?

arent I?

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What is the pronoun for the following subjects? Anyone anybody someone somebody everyone everybody no one nobody they

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What is the pronoun for the following subjects? Anything Something Nothing it

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Can there be a subject in question tags? Yes

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How can we form question tags if we have negative words in the statements? What are the common negative words? Never nobody nothing hardly not How can we form the question tags? Apply a positive tag
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How can we form question tags if there is a word need in the statement? First, we have to decide the part of speech of the word. Auxiliary verb? Main verb? e.g. You need not go with me, ___________? She needs you, ________________?
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