Tag Questions

Another way to ask questions in English is to use a tag question.

A tag question is made of a statement, followed by a mini question. This mini question is called a question tag.

Look at the following example:

You’re German, aren’t you?

Statement   +  question tag

How to use Tag Questions

1. We often use tag questions to ask for confirmation so the meaning of the question tag is something like: Is that correct? or Am I right?

For example: You’re German, aren’t you? (I think you’re German but I’m just checking).

This use is very common for making conversation and breaking the ice.

2. We also use tag questions to ask real questions.

For example: You don’t know where my wallet is, do you? (I’m really not sure where my wallet is and I want to know if you’ve seen it).

We often use this form to ask polite questions, as an alternative to a direct question.

We use different intonation to show if we’re just asking for confirmation (use 1) or really asking a question (use 2). In the first case, the intonation is flat. In the second case, the intonation falls.

	Intonation
You don't know where my wallet is,	do you?	/ rising	real question
You’re German,	aren't you?	\ falling	not a real question

Click on this link to see: How to Form Tag Questions