Question Tags Questions
The rules for using question tags in declarative sentences are as follows:
1. If the main sentence is positive, the question tag is usually negative. For example, "You like coffee, don't you?"
2. If the main sentence is negative, the question tag is usually positive. For example, "She doesn't eat meat, does she?"
3. The question tag should match the subject of the main sentence. For example, "He is coming, isn't he?" (subject: he) or "They are leaving, aren't they?" (subject: they).
4. If the main sentence contains an auxiliary verb, the question tag uses the same auxiliary verb. For example, "You have finished your homework, haven't you?" (auxiliary verb: have).
5. If the main sentence does not contain an auxiliary verb, the question tag uses the appropriate form of the verb "do." For example, "She likes ice cream, doesn't she?" (no auxiliary verb, so "do" is used).
6. The question tag is usually contracted, except when the main verb is "be." For example, "He's coming, isn't he?" (contracted) or "She is happy, isn't she?" (not contracted).
These are the general rules for using question tags in declarative sentences.