Question Tags | English Pronunciation and Grammar in Conversation

Summary

This video script provides a comprehensive lesson on the use of question tags in English. It explains how question tags function as short questions at the end of statements, such as 'You like pizza, don't you?' The script highlights the differences in intonation—rising for uncertainty and falling for certainty. Several real-life examples are used to show how question tags can be both positive and negative, and it also touches on the use of auxiliary and modal verbs. The video encourages viewers to practice and test their understanding of question tags through a quiz.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Question tags** are short questions added at the end of statements to confirm or verify information.
• 😀 **Rising intonation** is used when the speaker thinks they know the answer but wants confirmation, like: 'You like pizza, don't you?'
• 😀 **Falling intonation** is used when the speaker is certain about the answer, like: 'You know where I live, don't you?'
• 😀 A **positive statement** is followed by a **negative question tag**, such as 'You like pizza, don't you?'
• 😀 A **negative statement** is followed by a **positive question tag**, like 'You can't do it, can you?'
• 😀 **Auxiliary verbs** (e.g., 'do,' 'can,' 'will') or **modal verbs** are used in question tags.
• 😀 The purpose of question tags is to **confirm or check** information with the speaker or listener.
• 😀 When the speaker is confident, they may use **falling intonation**; if uncertain, they use **rising intonation**.
• 😀 In conversations, question tags can help show **politeness** or **soften requests**, as in: 'You want to try it, don't you?'
• 😀 Question tags help establish **certainty** or **uncertainty**, influencing how the speaker engages with the listener.

Q & A

What is a question tag in grammar?

A question tag is a short question added at the end of a statement, often used to confirm or clarify information. For example, 'You like pizza, don't you?'

How does Marta use a question tag in the dialogue?

Marta uses the question tag 'don't you?' to confirm if Kevin likes pizza, showing she is almost certain but wants to check.

What is the difference between rising and falling intonation in question tags?

Rising intonation indicates uncertainty and is used when the speaker thinks they know the answer but wants to check. Falling intonation shows certainty and is used when the speaker is confident in the answer.

Why does Marta use rising intonation in 'You like pizza, don't you?'

Marta uses rising intonation because she is almost certain Kevin likes pizza but wants to confirm just in case.

What role do question tags play in conversation?

Question tags help to confirm information, express uncertainty, or seek reassurance from the listener.

Why does Marta say 'Hahaha, that's a great joke!'?

Marta laughs because she initially assumes the suggestion of ordering a salad is a joke, but later realizes it is serious.

In the example about the dinner party, how does Marta check if Kevin knows the location?

Marta asks, 'You know where I live, don't you?' to confirm if Kevin is aware of her address.

What happens when a sentence is positive and the question tag is negative?

When the main sentence is positive, the question tag is often negative, as seen in examples like 'We’re keeping it, aren’t we?'

What is the function of auxiliary and modal verbs in question tags?

Auxiliary and modal verbs are used in question tags to form the correct grammatical structure, such as 'don't' or 'can't'.

Why is falling intonation used in the sentence 'We’re keeping it, aren’t we?'?

Falling intonation is used because the speaker is confident that they are correct, implying certainty about the decision to keep the kitten.