Question tags

This textbook excerpt focuses on English grammar, specifically the usage of question tags. It explains how question tags are used to seek information, confirm statements, and engage in informal speech. The excerpt provides rules for constructing question tags based on whether the main clause is affirmative or negative, and the correct auxiliary verb to use in the tag. Examples are provided throughout to illustrate the correct usage of different verb forms and auxiliaries in question tags. The exercises provide practice in forming question tags to check comprehension.

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Question Tag Formation: The excerpt details the rules for forming question tags. If the main clause is affirmative, the tag is negative and vice versa. Contracted forms are always used in question tags. The appropriate auxiliary verb (e.g., 'is,' 'are,' 'was,' 'were,' 'do,' 'does,' 'did,' modal verbs) must be chosen based on the verb tense and form used in the main clause. Pronouns in the question tag must match the subject of the main clause. Commas are used to separate the main sentence from the tag.
Examples of Verb and Auxiliary Usage: The excerpt presents specific examples of question tags with different verb forms: 'to be,' present simple, past simple, perfect and continuous tenses, and modal verbs. For instance, 'It's Lisa, isn't it?' demonstrates the 'to be' verb. 'You work for KMC, don't you?' exemplifies the present simple. 'He went to the conference, didn't he?' is an example of past simple. 'You aren't listening to me, are you?' uses perfect continuous tense. And, 'I should leave now, shouldn't I?' illustrates modal verb usage. There is also an exception noted for 'I am' statements, where 'aren't I?' is used instead of 'am not I?'
Imperative and 'Let's' Question Tags: The excerpt also discusses imperative sentences, which take the question tags 'will you?' or 'won't you?'. The excerpt provides the rules for making question tag with the word 'let's'. Sentences using 'Let's' take the question tag 'shall we?', e.g., 'Let's go out for dinner again sometime, shall we?'