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Questions and Answers
In the sentence "You should go, shouldn't you?", what type of question is the tag question used for?
In the sentence "You should go, shouldn't you?", what type of question is the tag question used for?
- Expressing uncertainty
- Seeking clarification
- Adding emphasis
- Politely seeking agreement (correct)
Which of the following sentences correctly uses a tag question with the modal verb "could"?
Which of the following sentences correctly uses a tag question with the modal verb "could"?
- You could go, could you? (correct)
- She could see it, couldn't she?
- They could come, can't they?
- He could have done it, couldn't he?
What is the primary function of a tag question in the sentence "He can do that, can't he?"
What is the primary function of a tag question in the sentence "He can do that, can't he?"
- To introduce a new topic.
- To express disbelief.
- To seek confirmation. (correct)
- To indicate uncertainty.
In the statement "You should go, shouldn't you?", the tag question serves to:
In the statement "You should go, shouldn't you?", the tag question serves to:
Why is it important to consider geographical variations when using tag questions?
Why is it important to consider geographical variations when using tag questions?
Which of the following is the correct tag question for the statement 'John likes to swim in the pool'?
Which of the following is the correct tag question for the statement 'John likes to swim in the pool'?
Which of the following tag question is correct for the statement 'They had a party last night'?
Which of the following tag question is correct for the statement 'They had a party last night'?
Which statement correctly uses subject-verb agreement in a tag question?
Which statement correctly uses subject-verb agreement in a tag question?
What is the correct tag question for the statement 'We will not go to the movies'?
What is the correct tag question for the statement 'We will not go to the movies'?
Choose the correctly formed tag question for the statement 'They might be able to get tickets'?
Choose the correctly formed tag question for the statement 'They might be able to get tickets'?
Which of the following sentences uses a tag question correctly?
Which of the following sentences uses a tag question correctly?
Which statement uses the correct contracted form in a tag question?
Which statement uses the correct contracted form in a tag question?
The statement 'He can't cook, can he?' is an example of which tag question rule?
The statement 'He can't cook, can he?' is an example of which tag question rule?
Flashcards
Tag Questions
Tag Questions
Questions added to the end of a statement to confirm or solicit agreement.
Affirmative Statement
Affirmative Statement
A positive statement which when tagged, becomes negative.
Negative Statement
Negative Statement
A negative statement that requires an affirmative tag question.
Subject-Verb Agreement in Tags
Subject-Verb Agreement in Tags
The auxiliary verb in the tag must match the main clause in tense and person.
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Pronoun Choice in Tags
Pronoun Choice in Tags
The pronoun in the tag mirrors the subject of the main clause for agreement.
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Tense Consistency
Tense Consistency
The tag question typically matches the main clause's tense.
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Contracted Forms
Contracted Forms
Tag questions can be used in contracted (e.g., 'don't you?') or uncontracted forms (e.g., 'do you not?').
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Tag Questions with Modals
Tag Questions with Modals
Tags for sentences with modal verbs repeat the same modal verb, if available.
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Modal Verb in Tag
Modal Verb in Tag
If using 'can' or 'could', repeat the modal verb in the tag.
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Tag Questions for Emphasis
Tag Questions for Emphasis
Used not only for confirmation but also to emphasize information.
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Regional Variations of Tag Questions
Regional Variations of Tag Questions
Usage of tag questions can differ based on geographical region.
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Special Cases in Tag Questions
Special Cases in Tag Questions
Some grammatically correct tags might sound awkward in context.
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Basic Structure and Function
- Tag questions are questions appended to statements, usually to confirm or seek agreement.
- They typically comprise an auxiliary verb and a pronoun matching the subject of the statement.
- Auxiliary verbs in tag questions are frequently contracted.
- Present simple statements often have present simple question tags; past simple, past simple tags.
Affirmative Statements and Negative Tags
- Affirmative main clauses typically have negative tag questions.
- Example: "You like pizza, don't you?"
Negative Statements and Affirmative Tags
- Negative main clauses usually have affirmative tag questions.
- Example: "You don't like broccoli, do you?"
Subject-Verb Agreement in Tags
- The tag's auxiliary verb agrees in tense and person with the main clause's subject.
- Examples: "They are happy, aren't they?"; "She is going to the store, isn't she?"; "He has a car, doesn't he?"
Pronoun Choice in Tags
- The tag's pronoun matches the subject of the main clause.
- Examples: "We are going, aren't we?"; "You are studying, aren't you?"
Tense Consistency with the Main Clause
- Tag questions usually mirror the tense of the main clause.
- Example: "I played tennis yesterday, didn't I?"
Contracted vs. Uncontracted Forms
- Tag questions can use contracted or uncontracted forms (e.g., "don't you?" or "do you not?").
- Contracted forms are common in spoken English.
Tag Questions with Modal Verbs
- Tag questions using modal verbs typically use the same modal, if available; otherwise, "do" or "does".
- Examples: "You should go, shouldn't you?"; "He can do that, can't he?"
- If the modal is "can" or "could", the tag uses the same verb.
Tag Questions and Emphasis
- Tag questions are not always simply for confirmation; they can emphasize information or show politeness.
Geographical Variations and Usage
- Tag question usage varies geographically.
Special Cases and Exceptions
- Some seemingly correct tag questions might sound unnatural or confusing, depending on the context.
- Knowledge of typical patterns combined with context is necessary.
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