Question tags

A question tag is comma + helper verb + pronoun at the end of a sentence. A positive sentence takes a negative tag; a negative sentence takes a positive tag.

• If the sentence has a helper (be, have, will, can…), repeat that helper. If it is present simple or past simple with no helper, use do / does / did.
• The tag always uses a pronoun: Your parents are teachers, aren't they? / This is your bag, isn't it? (this/that → it; these/those → they).
• Negative tags are always contracted: isn't it, don't you, haven't they.
• Watch 's and 'd: She's tired → isn't she; She's finished → hasn't she; You'd better → hadn't you; You'd rather → wouldn't you.

💡In standard English the tag must match the helper verb and subject — “isn't it?” is not a tag for every sentence: You like coffee, don't you? If you need something quick in casual speech, right? works with any sentence: You like coffee, right?

1. Checking something you think is true

• You're from Da Nang, aren't you?

• The shop closes at nine, doesn't it?

2. Making conversation and inviting the listener to agree — often about the weather, food, or something you both see

• The weather is lovely today, isn't it?

• That was a great film, wasn't it?

3. Polite requests: a negative sentence + positive tag sounds modest and gentle

• You couldn't lend me your charger, could you?

• You haven't seen my glasses, have you?

💡Answer a question tag according to the facts, not whether you agree with the speaker: You don't eat meat, do you? — No, I don't. (= I don't eat it) / Yes, I do. (= I do eat it).

A positive sentence + positive tag (So you're moving to Hanoi, are you?) shows surprise or interest in news you've just heard — it isn't a mistake.

The same tag means different things depending on whether your voice goes down ↘ or up ↗ at the end.

• Falling ↘: you're fairly sure and just expect the other person to agree.
• Rising ↗: you're really not sure and want an answer.

• It's a beautiful day, isn't it? ↘

  falling: expecting agreement

• You've been to Hue, haven't you? ↗

  rising: a real question

• You haven't seen my keys, have you? ↗

  rising: hoping the answer is yes

• ✗You like coffee, isn't it?

  ✓You like coffee, don't you?

  The tag follows the helper and subject of the sentence: like → don't, you → you.

• ✗She didn't come to class, didn't she?

  ✓She didn't come to class, did she?

  Negative sentence → positive tag.

• ✗Your parents are teachers, isn't it?

  ✓Your parents are teachers, aren't they?

  Plural subject → are … they.

• ✗She's finished her homework, isn't she?

  ✓She's finished her homework, hasn't she?

  Here 's means has (has finished).

• ✗Everyone was tired after the hike, wasn't he?

  ✓Everyone was tired after the hike, weren't they?

  everyone → they, which goes with were.

• ✗Don't forget to lock the door, don't you?

  ✓Don't forget to lock the door, will you?

  Imperatives take the tag will you.