Tag questions are short questions added to the end of a statement. They are one of the most distinctive features of spoken English, and their pronunciation, especially their intonation, completely changes their meaning. Getting the intonation right is just as important as getting the grammar right.
What Are Tag Questions?
A tag question turns a statement into a question by adding a short "tag" at the end. The tag uses an auxiliary verb and a pronoun. For example: "You're coming, aren't you?" or "She doesn't like coffee, does she?" The structure follows a simple rule: positive statement gets a negative tag, and negative statement gets a positive tag.
Rising vs. Falling Intonation
The most critical aspect of tag questions is intonation. The same words can have completely different meanings depending on whether your voice goes up or down.
Rising Intonation (Genuine Question)
When you genuinely want to know the answer, your voice rises on the tag. You are seeking new information or confirmation because you are unsure. For example: "You like coffee, don't you?" with a rising tone means you are not sure and want to find out.
Falling Intonation (Expecting Agreement)
When you already believe something and just want the listener to agree, your voice falls on the tag. For example: "Nice day, isn't it?" with a falling tone means you clearly think it is a nice day and expect the listener to confirm.
Common Tag Contractions
The auxiliary verbs in tags are almost always contracted in spoken English. Pronouncing them correctly is essential for natural-sounding speech.
More Essential Tag Contractions
Stress Patterns in Tag Questions
In tag questions, the auxiliary verb in the tag usually receives the primary stress. This is different from regular sentences where auxiliaries are often unstressed. Listen to the difference:
- Statement: "She is coming." (is is weak: /ɪz/)
- Tag: "She's coming, ISN'T she?" (isn't gets full stress)
The stressed auxiliary is what carries the intonation pattern, whether rising or falling. This makes it the most important word in the tag for conveying your intended meaning.
Practice: Complete Tag Questions
Now let's practice some full tag question sentences. Pay attention to how the contractions sound in context.
Common Intonation Patterns: Summary Table
| Pattern | Intonation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive + Negative Tag | Rising | Genuine question | You speak French, don't you? |
| Positive + Negative Tag | Falling | Expecting "yes" | You speak French, don't you. |
| Negative + Positive Tag | Rising | Genuine question | You don't smoke, do you? |
| Negative + Positive Tag | Falling | Expecting "no" | You don't smoke, do you. |
Tips for Practice
- Record yourself saying tag questions with both rising and falling intonation, then listen back to hear the difference.
- Watch English TV shows or movies and listen for tag questions. British English speakers use them especially often.
- Practice the contractions in isolation first, then add them to full sentences.
- Remember: the tag is short and quick. Do not pause too long between the statement and the tag.