The structure of a question tag is simple yet specific, designed to turn a statement into a question requiring confirmation.
Understanding the Basic Structure
According to the definition, a question tag is made up of the statement, a comma, and the question clause. This structure allows you to add a short question at the end of a declarative sentence.
Let's break down these components:
- The Statement: This is the main sentence you are making, typically a positive or negative declaration.
- The Comma: A comma is used to separate the statement from the question clause.
- The Question Clause: This is the short part that asks for confirmation.
Components of the Question Clause
The reference states that the question tag (which is the question clause) is usually built by combining two key elements:
- An Auxiliary Verb: An auxiliary verb is essential. As noted, an auxiliary verb is either a 'to have' or 'to be' verb. The crucial point is that the auxiliary verb used in the question tag matches the verb used in the declarative statement. If the main verb isn't an auxiliary, you often use 'do', 'does', or 'did' (though this specific point isn't in the reference, it's a common rule and necessary for practical understanding).
- A Pronoun: This pronoun refers back to the subject of the main statement.
Visualizing the Structure
Here's a simple way to see how the parts fit together:
| Component | Example Element |
|---|---|
| Statement | You are learning |
| , | , |
| Question Clause | aren't you? |
The question clause (aren't you?) is formed by the auxiliary verb (are) and the pronoun (you). Notice how 'are' matches the 'are' in the statement.
Key Rules and Examples
While the core structure is statement + comma + question clause, the nature of the auxiliary verb and pronoun follows specific rules, often involving polarity (positive/negative).
Positive Statement + Negative Tag
If the statement is positive, the question tag is usually negative. The negative form is created by adding 'not' (often contracted) to the auxiliary verb.
-
Statement: She is happy.
-
Structure: She is happy, isn't she?
- Auxiliary 'is' matches statement verb 'is'. Tag is negative.
-
Statement: They have finished the work.
-
Structure: They have finished the work, haven't they?
- Auxiliary 'have' matches statement verb 'have'. Tag is negative.
Negative Statement + Positive Tag
If the statement is negative, the question tag is usually positive.
-
Statement: He isn't coming.
-
Structure: He isn't coming, is he?
- Auxiliary 'is' matches statement verb 'isn't'. Tag is positive.
-
Statement: You haven't seen this film.
-
Structure: You haven't seen this film, have you?
- Auxiliary 'have' matches statement verb 'haven't'. Tag is positive.
Understanding this structure allows you to correctly form question tags to check information, seek agreement, or simply keep a conversation going.
