10.111 forming tags

Tags are formed using an auxiliary or a form of 'be' or 'do', followed by a personal pronoun referring to the subject.

If the main clause is in the affirmative, you use a negative tag. Negative tags are always contracted, except in old-fashioned or very formal English.

• It is quite warm, isn't it?

If the main clause is in the negative, you use an affirmative tag.

• You didn't know I was an artist, did you?

If the main clause of your statement has an auxiliary in it, you use the same auxiliary in the tag.

• You will stay in touch, won't you?

If the main clause has the simple past or present form of 'be' as the main verb, you use this in the tag.

• They are, aren't they?

If the main clause does not have an auxiliary or the verb 'be', you use 'do', 'does', or 'did' in the tag.

• After a couple of years the heat gets too much, doesn't it?
• He played for Ireland, didn't he?

Note that the negative tag with 'I' is 'aren't I', when 'am' is the auxiliary or main verb in the main clause.

• I'm controlling it, aren't I?