A question tag is a short question added to the end of a statement to seek confirmation or agreement (e.g., It's a sunny day, isn't it?). While simple on the surface, special exception cases frequently trip students up.
Rule 1: Positive Statement = Negative Tag (and Vice Versa)
You speak English, don't you? (Positive statement, negative tag)
You haven't seen this film, have you? (Negative statement, positive tag)
Crucial Exceptions You Must Know
- With "I am": The tag is aren't I? (never amn't I).
I am invited to the party, aren't I? - With "Let's": The tag is always shall we?
Let's go for a walk, shall we? - With Imperatives (commands/requests): The tag is will you? or won't you?
Open the window, will you? - With negative adverbs (hardly, scarcely, seldom, rarely): The statement is already negative, so use a positive tag!
She rarely visits us, does she?