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Questions and Answers
What has Modern English largely abandoned from the Indo-European language?
Which word class retains morphological case more strongly than any other in Modern English?
What is a remnant of the more extensive Germanic case system of Old English?
In what range of registers is present-day Standard English used?
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What does English grammar describe?
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What is the function of question tags in English grammar?
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What should be used as the auxiliary verb in a question tag if the main sentence has no auxiliary verb?
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What should be used as the auxiliary in a question tag if the main sentence is negative?
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When should a comma be used in relation to the question tag?
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What is the question tag for an affirmative sentence with 'I am'?
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What is the primary purpose of using question tags in statements?
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How should the auxiliary verb in a question tag be chosen?
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What is the correct question tag for the sentence 'She can play the piano,'?
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Which pronoun should always be used at the end of a question tag?
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If the main sentence is 'They were not at the party,' what is the correct question tag?
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What is the function of question tags?
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What should be used as the auxiliary verb in question tags?
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What should be used if the main sentence is negative in question tags?
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What is the question tag for an affirmative sentence with 'I am'?
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What should be used before the question tag in English grammar?
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Study Notes
Changes in Modern English
- Modern English has largely abandoned the complex morphological case system found in Indo-European languages.
- Many features of Old English, particularly case distinctions, have been simplified or eliminated over time.
Morphological Case
- The noun class retains morphological case more strongly than any other in Modern English.
Germanic Case System Remnants
- A key remnant of the Germanic case system from Old English is the use of some pronouns that still exhibit case variations.
Usage of Standard English
- Present-day Standard English is used across a wide range of registers, accommodating both formal and informal contexts.
Description of English Grammar
- English grammar describes the structure and rules governing the formation of sentences, including syntax, morphology, and punctuation.
Function of Question Tags
- Question tags serve to confirm information or seek agreement from the listener, often making a statement more engaging and interactive.
Auxiliary Verbs in Question Tags
- If the main sentence lacks an auxiliary verb, "do" should be used as the auxiliary in the question tag.
- For negative main sentences, the auxiliary verb in the question tag should mirror that of the main sentence.
Comma Usage with Question Tags
- A comma is typically placed before the question tag to separate it from the main sentence.
Affirmative Question Tag for 'I am'
- The question tag for the affirmative sentence "I am" is "aren't I?"
Primary Purpose of Question Tags
- The primary purpose of using question tags in statements is to elicit confirmation or agreement from the listener.
Choosing Auxiliary Verb in Question Tags
- The auxiliary verb in a question tag should correspond with the tense and aspect of the main sentence.
Correct Question Tag Example
- The correct question tag for the sentence "She can play the piano" is "can’t she?"
Pronouns in Question Tags
- The pronoun "I" should always be used at the end of a question tag when referring to oneself.
Example for Negative Main Sentence
- If the main sentence is "They were not at the party," the correct question tag is "were they?"
Functions of Question Tags
- Question tags function to confirm statements, prompting the listener to respond or engage.
Auxiliary Verbs in Question Tags
- The auxiliary verb used in question tags should match the affirmative or negative nature of the main sentence.
Handling Negatives in Question Tags
- If the main sentence is negative in question tags, the question tag should mirror this by using the appropriate auxiliary.
Preliminary Punctuation in Question Tags
- A comma should be used before the question tag in English grammar to clarify the structure of the sentence.
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Description
Test your knowledge of English grammar with this quiz! Challenge yourself with questions on word structure, sentence construction, punctuation, and more. Whether you're a student, professional, or language enthusiast, this quiz will help you sharpen your grammar skills.
