Grammar Rules for Tag Questions in English

Mastering grammar rules for tag questions in English is essential for fluency and accuracy. Tag questions make conversations natural, test knowledge, and are common in exams. This guide covers the grammar rules for tag questions in English with 100 examples, key tips, FAQs, and exam-focused insights for students and professionals.

Introduction to Grammar Rules for Tag Questions in English

Grammar rules for tag questions in English are an important part of effective communication. Tag questions help confirm information, seek agreement, or add emphasis. For students, professionals, and candidates preparing for competitive exams, understanding these grammar rules for tag questions in English ensures accuracy and confidence in both writing and speaking.

What Are Tag Questions?

Tag questions are short questions added at the end of a statement. They are used to confirm facts, express doubt, or seek agreement. Example: You are a teacher, aren’t you?

Grammar Rules for Tag Questions in English

1. If the statement is positive, the tag is negative.
   Example: She is happy, isn’t she?
2. If the statement is negative, the tag is positive.
   Example: He isn’t ready, is he?
3. The auxiliary verb in the statement is repeated in the tag.
   Example: They can swim, can’t they?
4. If the statement has no auxiliary verb, use do/does/did in the tag.
   Example: You like coffee, don’t you?
5. Pronoun is used in the tag, not the noun.
   Example: Ramesh is here, isn’t he?
6. Intonation matters:
   • Rising intonation = real question
   • Falling intonation = confirmation

100 Examples of Grammar Rules for Tag Questions in English

1. She is a doctor, isn’t she?
2. He is not late, is he?
3. They are friends, aren’t they?
4. You are coming, aren’t you?
5. We aren’t busy, are we?
6. He can drive, can’t he?
7. She can’t sing, can she?
8. They will help, won’t they?
9. You won’t forget, will you?
10. It is raining, isn’t it?
11. She isn’t tired, is she?
12. You like mangoes, don’t you?
13. He doesn’t know, does he?
14. We studied well, didn’t we?
15. She went home, didn’t she?
16. They didn’t play, did they?
17. You are my friend, aren’t you?
18. He is your brother, isn’t he?
19. It isn’t cold, is it?
20. They are from India, aren’t they?
21. You won’t lie, will you?
22. She doesn’t eat meat, does she?
23. We are learning, aren’t we?
24. He is tall, isn’t he?
25. They aren’t late, are they?
26. She will join us, won’t she?
27. He won’t call, will he?
28. It is simple, isn’t it?
29. You aren’t afraid, are you?
30. They can dance, can’t they?
31. She cannot swim, can she?
32. We shall meet, shan’t we?
33. You must go, mustn’t you?
34. He shouldn’t run, should he?
35. She may help, mayn’t she?
36. He might stay, mightn’t he?
37. They could win, couldn’t they?
38. You couldn’t guess, could you?
39. She used to sing, didn’t she?
40. He didn’t cheat, did he?
41. They are clever, aren’t they?
42. It is big, isn’t it?
43. He isn’t honest, is he?
44. We are tired, aren’t we?
45. You have finished, haven’t you?
46. He hasn’t come, has he?
47. She had gone, hadn’t she?
48. They hadn’t met, had they?
49. You will try, won’t you?
50. It won’t take long, will it?
51. She is reading, isn’t she?
52. He isn’t studying, is he?
53. They were happy, weren’t they?
54. We weren’t late, were we?
55. You have seen him, haven’t you?
56. He hasn’t eaten, has he?
57. She had worked hard, hadn’t she?
58. They hadn’t called, had they?
59. You are okay, aren’t you?
60. He is wrong, isn’t he?
61. She wasn’t angry, was she?
62. They were not absent, were they?
63. You enjoyed it, didn’t you?
64. He failed, didn’t he?
65. She passed, didn’t she?
66. They didn’t win, did they?
67. You love cricket, don’t you?
68. He doesn’t play, does he?
69. She eats rice, doesn’t she?
70. They don’t smoke, do they?
71. It is true, isn’t it?
72. He is kind, isn’t he?
73. You aren’t joking, are you?
74. She is serious, isn’t she?
75. They are helpful, aren’t they?
76. He isn’t polite, is he?
77. We should start, shouldn’t we?
78. They shouldn’t waste time, should they?
79. She must study, mustn’t she?
80. He mustn’t shout, must he?
81. You could try, couldn’t you?
82. They couldn’t do it, could they?
83. He may join, mayn’t he?
84. She might help, mightn’t she?
85. You would agree, wouldn’t you?
86. He wouldn’t lie, would he?
87. She will succeed, won’t she?
88. They won’t fail, will they?
89. We are fine, aren’t we?
90. He isn’t upset, is he?
91. She looks nice, doesn’t she?
92. You don’t know, do you?
93. They live here, don’t they?
94. He doesn’t drive, does he?
95. It works well, doesn’t it?
96. She doesn’t care, does she?
97. You spoke well, didn’t you?
98. He didn’t answer, did he?
99. She told you, didn’t she?
100. They didn’t leave, did they?

Important Tips for Students and Exam Candidates

• Always remember: Positive statement → Negative tag; Negative statement → Positive tag.
• Use auxiliary verbs correctly (is, are, can, will, etc.).
• If there is no auxiliary, use do/does/did.
• Pay attention to pronoun substitution.
• In competitive exams, focus on subject-verb agreement.
• Practice with a variety of tenses and auxiliaries.

FAQs on Grammar Rules for Tag Questions in English

Q1: What is the basic rule of tag questions?
If the main sentence is positive, the tag is negative, and if the main sentence is negative, the tag is positive.

Q2: Why are tag questions important in English grammar?
They make conversations interactive, check information, and test understanding, especially in exams.

Q3: How can I practice tag questions effectively?
Practice with examples in all tenses, write your own sentences, and solve previous exam papers.

Conclusion on Grammar Rules for Tag Questions in English

Mastering grammar rules for tag questions in English improves communication skills and helps in exams. With clear rules and plenty of practice, learners can use tag questions naturally and confidently. Understanding grammar rules for tag questions in English is essential for both academic and everyday use.

Disclaimer on Grammar Rules for Tag Questions in English

This article is for educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, learners should cross-check with standard grammar references.

Also Read: Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns: Explained with 100 Examples

Difference Between That vs Who vs Which: A Complete Guide with 100 Examples