How to use question tags

Question tags can instantly transform a simple statement into an interactive question. They are more commonly used in spoken English than in written English and act as a way to engage listeners and get responses from them. Using them can not only boost your fluency in English but can also improve your conversation skills.  

What are they?

A question tag is a short phrase added to the end of a statement to turn it into a question. 

For example:

•  It’s hot today, isn’t it?
  
• He doesn’t live down this street, does he?

Typically, if the statement is positive, the question tag is negative. 

• This coffee is quite strong, isn’t it?
• She looks like her mum, doesn’t she?

If the statement is negative, the question tag is positive. 

• They aren’t coming to dinner, are they? 
• It won’t rain tomorrow, will it?

This form of questioning is often about confirming something the speaker thinks (an assumption),  expressing interest or inviting the listener into a dialogue.

 

Forming question tags

It’s crucial to match the verb tense in the statement to the tag. For instance, if the statement is in the past tense, the tag should also be in the past tense: 

• He was here earlier, wasn’t he?
• She hasn’t been before, has she?

 

Why use question tags?

Question tags can make conversations more engaging and dynamic. They are particularly useful because they:

• Invite confirmation: You can use question tags when you expect the listener to agree with the statement. For example, The weather’s great today, isn’t it?
• Express uncertainty: When unsure of something, you can use a rising intonation (your voice goes up) with the tag to indicate that you are genuinely asking for information, e.g. You’re going to the gym after work, aren’t you?
• Keep conversations going: By inviting the listener to respond, question tags encourage a more interactive communication style. Although it’s not necessary for the listener to respond to the question tag, they often do, e.g.
  A: It’s a shame about the weather, isn’t it?
  B: It is! It’d be so much better if it was a bit warmer. 

Intonation and usage

Intonation plays an important role in question tags. If you use a falling intonation (when your voice goes down) this usually indicates that you expect agreement or confirmation. A rising intonation (when your voice goes up) suggests that you are uncertain and genuinely asking for the listener’s input or confirmation.

 

Practical tips for using question tags 

Listen and practise

• Pay attention to speakers of English in films, TV shows or real-life conversations to understand how they use question tags.

Simulate real-life scenarios 

• Practise using question tags in simulated scenarios with classmates or friends. This will help you get used to the natural flow of using tags in daily conversations.

Record and review

• Record yourself using question tags. Play the recording back and listen to your intonation and form. This self-review and reflection can help you correct and refine your use of them. 

Understanding and using question tags can help you improve your spoken English and sound more natural in speech. Use the tips above to help you with your question tags and fluency. 

 

Activity 

Choose the correct question tag to complete the sentence. 

1. You can speak German, 
2. She had met him before the party,
3. She enjoyed the movie,
4. You live in Lima, 
5. We should check the results,
6. We won’t cancel unless it rains, 
7. You’ll come to lunch with me, 
8. She couldn’t drive us to the airport,
   1. won’t you?
   2. will we?
   3. could she?
   4. can’t you?
   5. shouldn’t we?
   6. didn’t she?
   7. don’t you?
   8. hadn’t she?

 

Answers

1 D
2 H
3 F
4 G
5 E
6 B
7 A
8 C

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Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known assessment titles, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development training platform and podcast. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.