What is the difference between a positive and a negative tag question? Provide examples.

A positive tag question is used to confirm or seek agreement with a statement, while a negative tag question is used to seek confirmation or agreement with a negative statement. The structure of both types of tag questions is generally the same, consisting of an auxiliary verb and a pronoun.

Positive tag questions are formed by using a negative auxiliary verb with a positive statement. For example:

Statement: You are coming to the party, aren't you?
Tag question: aren't you?

Statement: She can swim, can't she?
Tag question: can't she?

In these examples, the positive statements "You are coming to the party" and "She can swim" are followed by positive tag questions "aren't you?" and "can't she?" respectively. The tag questions seek confirmation or agreement with the positive statements.

On the other hand, negative tag questions are formed by using a positive auxiliary verb with a negative statement. For example:

Statement: You don't like coffee, do you?
Tag question: do you?

Statement: They haven't finished their homework, have they?
Tag question: have they?

In these examples, the negative statements "You don't like coffee" and "They haven't finished their homework" are followed by negative tag questions "do you?" and "have they?" respectively. The tag questions seek confirmation or agreement with the negative statements.

It is important to note that the intonation used when asking tag questions can also convey different meanings. Rising intonation is typically used for seeking confirmation, while falling intonation can indicate surprise or disbelief.