Question Tags

Using tag questions to confirm or check information.

Practice: build the sentences →

BeginnerIntroduction to Question Tags

A question tag is a short question added to the end of a statement to seek confirmation, agreement, or a reaction.

For example, You are coming, aren't you?

Examples

You are coming, aren't you?
Ты идёшь, не так ли?
The tag "aren't you" seeks confirmation.
She is here, isn't she?
Она здесь, не так ли?
The tag "isn't she" seeks confirmation.
You like coffee, don't you?
Ты любишь кофе, не так ли?
The tag "don't you" seeks agreement.
He can swim, can't he?
Он умеет плавать, не так ли?
The tag "can't he" seeks confirmation.
They have left, haven't they?
Они ушли, не так ли?
The tag "haven't they" seeks confirmation.
You will come, won't you?
Ты придёшь, не так ли?
The tag "won't you" seeks confirmation.
She was late, wasn't she?
Она опоздала, не так ли?
The tag "wasn't she" seeks confirmation.
This is great, isn't it?
Это отлично, не так ли?
The tag "isn't it" invites agreement.

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BeginnerBasic Positive Statement Negative Tag

A positive statement normally takes a negative question tag.

For example, She is here, isn't she? and You like coffee, don't you?

Examples

She is here, isn't she?
Она здесь, не так ли?
A positive statement takes a negative tag: "isn't she".
You like coffee, don't you?
Ты любишь кофе, не так ли?
A positive statement takes a negative tag: "don't you".
He can swim, can't he?
Он умеет плавать, не так ли?
A positive statement takes a negative tag: "can't he".
They have left, haven't they?
Они ушли, не так ли?
A positive statement takes a negative tag: "haven't they".
You will come, won't you?
Ты придёшь, не так ли?
A positive statement takes a negative tag: "won't you".
She was late, wasn't she?
Она опоздала, не так ли?
A positive statement takes a negative tag: "wasn't she".
You work here, don't you?
Ты работаешь здесь, не так ли?
A positive statement takes a negative tag: "don't you".
It is cold, isn't it?
Холодно, не так ли?
A positive statement takes a negative tag: "isn't it".

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BeginnerNegative Statement Positive Tag

A negative statement normally takes a positive question tag.

For example, She isn't here, is she? and You don't like coffee, do you?

Examples

She isn't here, is she?
Она не здесь, не так ли?
A negative statement takes a positive tag: "is she".
You don't like coffee, do you?
Ты не любишь кофе, не так ли?
A negative statement takes a positive tag: "do you".
He can't swim, can he?
Он не умеет плавать, не так ли?
A negative statement takes a positive tag: "can he".
They haven't left, have they?
Они не ушли, не так ли?
A negative statement takes a positive tag: "have they".
You won't come, will you?
Ты не придёшь, не так ли?
A negative statement takes a positive tag: "will you".
She wasn't late, was she?
Она не опоздала, не так ли?
A negative statement takes a positive tag: "was she".
You don't work here, do you?
Ты не работаешь здесь, не так ли?
A negative statement takes a positive tag: "do you".
It isn't cold, is it?
Не холодно, не так ли?
A negative statement takes a positive tag: "is it".

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BeginnerMatching the Auxiliary

The question tag normally uses the same auxiliary or modal as the main statement.

For example, She has finished, hasn't she? and He can swim, can't he?

Examples

She has finished, hasn't she?
Она закончила, не так ли?
The tag repeats the auxiliary "has".
He can swim, can't he?
Он умеет плавать, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "can".
You are ready, aren't you?
Ты готов, не так ли?
The tag repeats the form of "be".
They will come, won't they?
Они придут, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "will".
She is working, isn't she?
Она работает, не так ли?
The tag repeats the auxiliary "is".
You have finished, haven't you?
Ты закончил, не так ли?
The tag repeats the auxiliary "have".
He should come, shouldn't he?
Ему следует прийти, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "should".
They were waiting, weren't they?
Они ждали, не так ли?
The tag repeats the auxiliary "were".

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BeginnerDo-Support in Question Tags

When a statement has no auxiliary, the tag normally uses do, does, or did.

For example, You work here, don't you? She likes it, doesn't she? They left early, didn't they?

Examples

You work here, don't you?
Ты работаешь здесь, не так ли?
Do-support uses "don't" in the tag.
She likes it, doesn't she?
Ей это нравится, не так ли?
Do-support uses "doesn't" in the tag.
They left early, didn't they?
Они ушли рано, не так ли?
Do-support uses "didn't" in the tag.
You don't work here, do you?
Ты не работаешь здесь, не так ли?
Do-support uses "do" in the positive tag.
She doesn't like it, does she?
Ей это не нравится, не так ли?
Do-support uses "does" in the positive tag.
They didn't leave early, did they?
Они не ушли рано, не так ли?
Do-support uses "did" in the positive tag.
You know him, don't you?
Ты знаешь его, не так ли?
Do-support uses "don't" in the tag.
He called you, didn't he?
Он тебе звонил, не так ли?
Do-support uses "didn't" in the tag.

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BeginnerBe in Question Tags

Statements containing be normally use the corresponding form of be in the tag.

For example, You are ready, aren't you? and She was late, wasn't she?

Examples

You are ready, aren't you?
Ты готов, не так ли?
The tag uses the form of "be": "aren't you".
She was late, wasn't she?
Она опоздала, не так ли?
The tag uses the form of "be": "wasn't she".
It is cold, isn't it?
Холодно, не так ли?
The tag uses the form of "be": "isn't it".
They are here, aren't they?
Они здесь, не так ли?
The tag uses the form of "be": "aren't they".
He is a doctor, isn't he?
Он врач, не так ли?
The tag uses the form of "be": "isn't he".
You weren't late, were you?
Ты не опоздал, не так ли?
The tag uses the form of "be": "were you".
She is not ready, is she?
Она не готова, не так ли?
The tag uses the form of "be": "is she".
It was not easy, was it?
Это было нелегко, не так ли?
The tag uses the form of "be": "was it".

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BeginnerModal Verbs in Question Tags

Statements containing modal verbs normally repeat the modal in the tag.

For example, You can help, can't you? and They should come, shouldn't they?

Examples

You can help, can't you?
Ты можешь помочь, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "can": "can't you".
They should come, shouldn't they?
Им следует прийти, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "should": "shouldn't they".
He will come, won't he?
Он придёт, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "will": "won't he".
She can swim, can't she?
Она умеет плавать, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "can": "can't she".
You must go, mustn't you?
Ты должен идти, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "must": "mustn't you".
They could help, couldn't they?
Они могли бы помочь, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "could": "couldn't they".
We should leave, shouldn't we?
Нам следует уйти, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "should": "shouldn't we".
He can't drive, can he?
Он не умеет водить, не так ли?
The tag repeats the modal "can": "can he".

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IntermediatePerfect Tenses in Question Tags

Perfect constructions use the appropriate form of have in the tag.

For example, She has finished, hasn't she? and They had left, hadn't they?

Examples

She has finished, hasn't she?
Она закончила, не так ли?
The perfect auxiliary "has" appears in the tag as "hasn't she".
They had left, hadn't they?
Они ушли, не так ли?
The perfect auxiliary "had" appears in the tag as "hadn't they".
You have finished, haven't you?
Ты закончил, не так ли?
The perfect auxiliary "have" appears in the tag as "haven't you".
He has arrived, hasn't he?
Он прибыл, не так ли?
The perfect auxiliary "has" appears in the tag as "hasn't he".
They have not left, have they?
Они не ушли, не так ли?
The perfect auxiliary "have" appears in the positive tag as "have they".
She had not finished, had she?
Она не закончила, не так ли?
The perfect auxiliary "had" appears in the positive tag as "had she".
You have seen it, haven't you?
Ты это видел, не так ли?
The perfect auxiliary "have" appears in the tag as "haven't you".
He has not called, has he?
Он не звонил, не так ли?
The perfect auxiliary "has" appears in the positive tag as "has he".

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BeginnerProgressive Tenses in Question Tags

Progressive constructions use the appropriate form of be in the tag.

For example, She is working, isn't she? and They were waiting, weren't they?

Examples

She is working, isn't she?
Она работает, не так ли?
The progressive auxiliary "is" appears in the tag as "isn't she".
They were waiting, weren't they?
Они ждали, не так ли?
The progressive auxiliary "were" appears in the tag as "weren't they".
You are listening, aren't you?
Ты слушаешь, не так ли?
The progressive auxiliary "are" appears in the tag as "aren't you".
He was sleeping, wasn't he?
Он спал, не так ли?
The progressive auxiliary "was" appears in the tag as "wasn't he".
It is raining, isn't it?
Идёт дождь, не так ли?
The progressive auxiliary "is" appears in the tag as "isn't it".
We are not waiting, are we?
Мы не ждём, не так ли?
The progressive auxiliary "are" appears in the positive tag as "are we".
She was not working, was she?
Она не работала, не так ли?
The progressive auxiliary "was" appears in the positive tag as "was she".
They are coming, aren't they?
Они идут, не так ли?
The progressive auxiliary "are" appears in the tag as "aren't they".

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BeginnerFuture Forms in Question Tags

Future constructions with will normally use will or won't in the tag.

For example, You will come, won't you?

Examples

You will come, won't you?
Ты придёшь, не так ли?
The future "will" appears in the tag as "won't you".
She will help, won't she?
Она поможет, не так ли?
The future "will" appears in the tag as "won't she".
They will arrive, won't they?
Они прибудут, не так ли?
The future "will" appears in the tag as "won't they".
He will not come, will he?
Он не придёт, не так ли?
The future "will" appears in the positive tag as "will he".
It will rain, won't it?
Будет дождь, не так ли?
The future "will" appears in the tag as "won't it".
We will meet, won't we?
Мы встретимся, не так ли?
The future "will" appears in the tag as "won't we".
She won't forget, will she?
Она не забудет, не так ли?
The future "will" appears in the positive tag as "will she".
You will be there, won't you?
Ты будешь там, не так ли?
The future "will" appears in the tag as "won't you".

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IntermediateBe Going To in Question Tags

Statements using be going to normally use the appropriate form of be in the tag.

For example, She is going to leave, isn't she?

Examples

She is going to leave, isn't she?
Она собирается уйти, не так ли?
The form of "be" in "be going to" appears in the tag as "isn't she".
They are going to come, aren't they?
Они собираются прийти, не так ли?
The form of "be" in "be going to" appears in the tag as "aren't they".
He is going to apply, isn't he?
Он собирается подать заявку, не так ли?
The form of "be" in "be going to" appears in the tag as "isn't he".
We are going to stay, aren't we?
Мы собираемся остаться, не так ли?
The form of "be" in "be going to" appears in the tag as "aren't we".
It is going to snow, isn't it?
Будет снег, не так ли?
The form of "be" in "be going to" appears in the tag as "isn't it".
She is not going to leave, is she?
Она не собирается уходить, не так ли?
The form of "be" in "be going to" appears in the positive tag as "is she".
They are going to help, aren't they?
Они собираются помочь, не так ли?
The form of "be" in "be going to" appears in the tag as "aren't they".
You are going to call, aren't you?
Ты собираешься позвонить, не так ли?
The form of "be" in "be going to" appears in the tag as "aren't you".

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BeginnerPronoun in the Tag

The subject of the main statement is normally represented by an appropriate pronoun in the tag.

For example, John is here, isn't he? and The children are ready, aren't they?

Examples

John is here, isn't he?
Джон здесь, не так ли?
The subject "John" is represented by "he" in the tag.
The children are ready, aren't they?
Дети готовы, не так ли?
The subject "the children" is represented by "they" in the tag.
Mary likes coffee, doesn't she?
Мэри любит кофе, не так ли?
The subject "Mary" is represented by "she" in the tag.
The book is interesting, isn't it?
Книга интересная, не так ли?
The subject "the book" is represented by "it" in the tag.
Tom and I are late, aren't we?
Мы с Томом опоздали, не так ли?
The subject "Tom and I" is represented by "we" in the tag.
The students have left, haven't they?
Студенты ушли, не так ли?
The subject "the students" is represented by "they" in the tag.
Your sister can swim, can't she?
Твоя сестра умеет плавать, не так ли?
The subject "your sister" is represented by "she" in the tag.
The car is new, isn't it?
Машина новая, не так ли?
The subject "the car" is represented by "it" in the tag.

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Upper-IntermediatePronouns with Indefinite Subjects

Indefinite subjects such as someone, nobody, everyone, and something require appropriate pronoun choices in question tags.

For example, Everyone is ready, aren't they? and Nobody called, did they?

Examples

Everyone is ready, aren't they?
Все готовы, не так ли?
The indefinite subject "everyone" is represented by "they" in the tag.
Nobody called, did they?
Никто не звонил, не так ли?
The indefinite subject "nobody" is represented by "they" in the tag.
Someone is waiting, aren't they?
Кто-то ждёт, не так ли?
The indefinite subject "someone" is represented by "they" in the tag.
Something happened, didn't it?
Что-то случилось, не так ли?
The indefinite subject "something" is represented by "it" in the tag.
Everyone has left, haven't they?
Все ушли, не так ли?
The indefinite subject "everyone" is represented by "they" in the tag.
Nobody knows, do they?
Никто не знает, не так ли?
The indefinite subject "nobody" is represented by "they" in the tag.
Anyone can come, can't they?
Любой может прийти, не так ли?
The indefinite subject "anyone" is represented by "they" in the tag.
Nothing is wrong, is it?
Ничего не случилось, не так ли?
The indefinite subject "nothing" is represented by "it" in the tag.

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IntermediateNobody, Nothing, and No One

Words with negative meaning normally take a positive tag even though the main verb is grammatically affirmative.

For example, Nobody called, did they? and Nothing happened, did it?

Examples

Nobody called, did they?
Никто не звонил, не так ли?
The negative word "nobody" takes a positive tag "did they".
Nothing happened, did it?
Ничего не случилось, не так ли?
The negative word "nothing" takes a positive tag "did it".
No one knows, do they?
Никто не знает, не так ли?
The negative word "no one" takes a positive tag "do they".
Nobody was hurt, were they?
Никто не пострадал, не так ли?
The negative word "nobody" takes a positive tag "were they".
Nothing is missing, is it?
Ничего не пропало, не так ли?
The negative word "nothing" takes a positive tag "is it".
No one called, did they?
Никто не звонил, не так ли?
The negative word "no one" takes a positive tag "did they".
Nobody has left, have they?
Никто не ушёл, не так ли?
The negative word "nobody" takes a positive tag "have they".
Nothing was said, was it?
Ничего не было сказано, не так ли?
The negative word "nothing" takes a positive tag "was it".

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IntermediateI Am → Aren't I

The conventional question tag after I am is aren't I in standard contemporary English.

For example, I'm late, aren't I?

Examples

I'm late, aren't I?
Я опоздал, не так ли?
The conventional tag after "I am" is "aren't I".
I am right, aren't I?
Я прав, не так ли?
The conventional tag after "I am" is "aren't I".
I am next, aren't I?
Я следующий, не так ли?
The conventional tag after "I am" is "aren't I".
I am invited, aren't I?
Я приглашён, не так ли?
The conventional tag after "I am" is "aren't I".
I am not late, am I?
Я не опоздал, не так ли?
A negative "I am" takes "am I" in the tag.
I am the first, aren't I?
Я первый, не так ли?
The conventional tag after "I am" is "aren't I".
I am supposed to go, aren't I?
Я должен идти, не так ли?
The conventional tag after "I am" is "aren't I".
I am not dreaming, am I?
Я не сплю, не так ли?
A negative "I am" takes "am I" in the tag.

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Upper-IntermediateImperative Tags

Imperatives can take tags such as will you, would you, can you, or can't you depending on the intended tone.

For example, Open the window, will you? and Take a seat, would you?

Examples

Open the window, will you?
Открой окно, хорошо?
The imperative takes the tag "will you".
Take a seat, would you?
Присядьте, не могли бы вы?
The imperative takes the tag "would you".
Help me, can you?
Помоги мне, можешь?
The imperative takes the tag "can you".
Pass the salt, could you?
Передайте соль, не могли бы вы?
The imperative takes the tag "could you".
Be quiet, can't you?
Будь тише, не можешь?
The imperative takes the tag "can't you".
Come here, will you?
Иди сюда, хорошо?
The imperative takes the tag "will you".
Don't be late, will you?
Не опаздывай, хорошо?
A negative imperative takes the tag "will you".
Let's start, shall we?
Давайте начнём, хорошо?
A suggestion with "let's" takes the tag "shall we".

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IntermediateLet's ... Shall We

Lets used for a suggestion normally takes shall we? as the tag.

For example, Let's go now, shall we?

Examples

Let's go now, shall we?
Давайте пойдём сейчас, хорошо?
The suggestion "let's go" takes the tag "shall we".
Let's start, shall we?
Давайте начнём, хорошо?
The suggestion "let's start" takes the tag "shall we".
Let's eat, shall we?
Давайте поедим, хорошо?
The suggestion "let's eat" takes the tag "shall we".
Let's meet tomorrow, shall we?
Давайте встретимся завтра, хорошо?
The suggestion "let's meet" takes the tag "shall we".
Let's take a break, shall we?
Давайте сделаем перерыв, хорошо?
The suggestion "let's take" takes the tag "shall we".
Let's not argue, shall we?
Давайте не спорить, хорошо?
The negative suggestion "let's not" takes the tag "shall we".
Let's try again, shall we?
Давайте попробуем снова, хорошо?
The suggestion "let's try" takes the tag "shall we".
Let's call her, shall we?
Давайте ей позвоним, хорошо?
The suggestion "let's call" takes the tag "shall we".

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AdvancedLet Me ... Will You

Let me can be followed by tags such as will you? when making a request or proposal.

For example, Let me help you, will you?

Examples

Let me help you, will you?
Позвольте мне помочь вам, хорошо?
The request "let me help" takes the tag "will you".
Let me explain, will you?
Позвольте мне объяснить, хорошо?
The request "let me explain" takes the tag "will you".
Let me try, will you?
Позвольте мне попробовать, хорошо?
The request "let me try" takes the tag "will you".
Let me carry that, will you?
Позвольте мне это донести, хорошо?
The request "let me carry" takes the tag "will you".
Let me see, will you?
Дайте-ка посмотреть, хорошо?
The request "let me see" takes the tag "will you".
Let me go, will you?
Отпустите меня, хорошо?
The request "let me go" takes the tag "will you".
Let me ask you something, will you?
Позвольте спросить вас кое о чём, хорошо?
The request "let me ask" takes the tag "will you".
Let me have a look, will you?
Дайте мне взглянуть, хорошо?
The request "let me have" takes the tag "will you".

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IntermediatePositive and Negative Tags with Meaning

The polarity pattern of a tag can signal whether the speaker expects agreement, seeks information, or expresses uncertainty.

For example, You're coming, aren't you? often expects agreement, while You're not coming, are you? checks a negative proposition.

Examples

You're coming, aren't you?
Ты идёшь, не так ли?
The tag "aren't you" often expects agreement.
You're not coming, are you?
Ты не идёшь, не так ли?
The tag "are you" checks a negative proposition.
She is here, isn't she?
Она здесь, не так ли?
The tag "isn't she" often expects confirmation.
She isn't here, is she?
Она не здесь, не так ли?
The tag "is she" checks a negative proposition.
They have arrived, haven't they?
Они прибыли, не так ли?
The tag "haven't they" often expects agreement.
They haven't arrived, have they?
Они не прибыли, не так ли?
The tag "have they" checks a negative proposition.
You like it, don't you?
Тебе это нравится, не так ли?
The tag "don't you" often expects agreement.
You don't like it, do you?
Тебе это не нравится, не так ли?
The tag "do you" checks a negative proposition.

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IntermediateRising Intonation in Tags

A rising intonation on the tag commonly signals a genuine request for confirmation.

For example, You're coming tomorrow, aren't you? can use rising intonation when the speaker is genuinely unsure.

Examples

You're coming tomorrow, aren't you?
Ты придёшь завтра, не так ли?
Rising intonation on "aren't you" signals genuine uncertainty.
She is here, isn't she?
Она здесь, не так ли?
Rising intonation on "isn't she" signals a genuine request for confirmation.
You have finished, haven't you?
Ты закончил, не так ли?
Rising intonation on "haven't you" signals genuine uncertainty.
They are ready, aren't they?
Они готовы, не так ли?
Rising intonation on "aren't they" signals a genuine request for confirmation.
He can help, can't he?
Он может помочь, не так ли?
Rising intonation on "can't he" signals genuine uncertainty.
You will come, won't you?
Ты придёшь, не так ли?
Rising intonation on "won't you" signals a genuine request for confirmation.
It is working, isn't it?
Это работает, не так ли?
Rising intonation on "isn't it" signals genuine uncertainty.
We are meeting today, aren't we?
Мы встречаемся сегодня, не так ли?
Rising intonation on "aren't we" signals a genuine request for confirmation.

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IntermediateFalling Intonation in Tags

A falling intonation on the tag commonly signals that the speaker expects agreement rather than genuinely asking for new information.

For example, Nice weather today, isn't it? often functions as a conversational statement seeking agreement.

Examples

Nice weather today, isn't it?
Хорошая сегодня погода, не так ли?
Falling intonation on "isn't it" expects agreement.
You are coming, aren't you?
Ты идёшь, не так ли?
Falling intonation on "aren't you" often expects agreement.
This is fun, isn't it?
Это весело, не так ли?
Falling intonation on "isn't it" invites agreement.
She is nice, isn't she?
Она милая, не так ли?
Falling intonation on "isn't she" expects agreement.
You like it, don't you?
Тебе это нравится, не так ли?
Falling intonation on "don't you" invites agreement.
It is a great place, isn't it?
Это отличное место, не так ли?
Falling intonation on "isn't it" seeks agreement.
We had a good time, didn't we?
Мы хорошо провели время, не так ли?
Falling intonation on "didn't we" expects agreement.
You agree, don't you?
Ты согласен, не так ли?
Falling intonation on "don't you" expects agreement.

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BeginnerTags as Requests for Agreement

Question tags can function as a way to invite the listener to agree with an observation or opinion.

For example, This is a great place, isn't it?

Examples

This is a great place, isn't it?
Это отличное место, не так ли?
The tag invites the listener to agree.
Nice weather today, isn't it?
Хорошая сегодня погода, не так ли?
The tag invites agreement about the weather.
This food is delicious, isn't it?
Эта еда вкусная, не так ли?
The tag invites agreement about the food.
The film was good, wasn't it?
Фильм был хорошим, не так ли?
The tag invites agreement about the film.
She is talented, isn't she?
Она талантлива, не так ли?
The tag invites agreement about her talent.
You enjoyed the trip, didn't you?
Тебе понравилась поездка, не так ли?
The tag invites agreement about the trip.
This book is interesting, isn't it?
Эта книга интересная, не так ли?
The tag invites agreement about the book.
We should go, shouldn't we?
Нам следует пойти, не так ли?
The tag invites agreement about going.

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AdvancedTags Expressing Surprise

Question tags can express surprise or challenge when the statement conflicts with expectations.

For example, You actually finished it, did you?

Examples

You actually finished it, did you?
Ты действительно это закончил, да?
The tag "did you" expresses surprise or challenge.
So you won, did you?
Так ты выиграл, да?
The tag "did you" expresses surprise or challenge.
You passed the exam, did you?
Ты сдал экзамен, да?
The tag "did you" expresses surprise or challenge.
You met the president, did you?
Ты встретил президента, да?
The tag "did you" expresses surprise or challenge.
You solved it yourself, did you?
Ты сам это решил, да?
The tag "did you" expresses surprise or challenge.
So you are coming, are you?
Так ты идёшь, да?
The tag "are you" expresses surprise or a reaction.
You have finished, have you?
Ты закончил, да?
The tag "have you" expresses surprise or challenge.
You can drive, can you?
Ты умеешь водить, да?
The tag "can you" expresses surprise or challenge.

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AdvancedTags After Negative-Meaning Adverbs

Words such as never, hardly, rarely, and seldom create negative or restrictive meaning and can affect the polarity of the tag.

For example, He never complains, does he?

Examples

He never complains, does he?
Он никогда не жалуется, не так ли?
The negative-meaning adverb "never" takes a positive tag "does he".
She hardly ever calls, does she?
Она почти никогда не звонит, не так ли?
The negative-meaning adverb "hardly" takes a positive tag "does she".
They rarely go out, do they?
Они редко выходят, не так ли?
The negative-meaning adverb "rarely" takes a positive tag "do they".
He seldom visits, does he?
Он редко навещает, не так ли?
The negative-meaning adverb "seldom" takes a positive tag "does he".
She never said that, did she?
Она никогда этого не говорила, не так ли?
The negative-meaning adverb "never" takes a positive tag "did she".
They hardly know us, do they?
Они едва нас знают, не так ли?
The negative-meaning adverb "hardly" takes a positive tag "do they".
He rarely makes mistakes, does he?
Он редко делает ошибки, не так ли?
The negative-meaning adverb "rarely" takes a positive tag "does he".
She seldom complains, does she?
Она редко жалуется, не так ли?
The negative-meaning adverb "seldom" takes a positive tag "does she".

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IntermediateTags After There Is and There Are

Existential there is repeated in the question tag as the subject-like element.

For example, There's a problem, isn't there? and There are no tickets, are there?

Examples

There's a problem, isn't there?
Есть проблема, не так ли?
The existential "there" is repeated in the tag as "isn't there".
There are no tickets, are there?
Билетов нет, не так ли?
The existential "there" is repeated in the tag as "are there".
There is a meeting today, isn't there?
Сегодня есть собрание, не так ли?
The existential "there" is repeated in the tag as "isn't there".
There were many people, weren't there?
Было много людей, не так ли?
The existential "there" is repeated in the tag as "weren't there".
There has been an accident, hasn't there?
Произошла авария, не так ли?
The existential "there" is repeated in the tag as "hasn't there".
There will be a party, won't there?
Будет вечеринка, не так ли?
The existential "there" is repeated in the tag as "won't there".
There isn't any milk, is there?
Молока нет, не так ли?
The existential "there" is repeated in the positive tag as "is there".
There weren't any seats, were there?
Свободных мест не было, не так ли?
The existential "there" is repeated in the positive tag as "were there".

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BeginnerTags After This and That

This and that normally correspond to it in the question tag.

For example, This is yours, isn't it? and That was strange, wasn't it?

Examples

This is yours, isn't it?
Это твоё, не так ли?
"This" corresponds to "it" in the tag.
That was strange, wasn't it?
Это было странно, не так ли?
"That" corresponds to "it" in the tag.
This is interesting, isn't it?
Это интересно, не так ли?
"This" corresponds to "it" in the tag.
That is your bag, isn't it?
Это твоя сумка, не так ли?
"That" corresponds to "it" in the tag.
This isn't easy, is it?
Это нелегко, не так ли?
"This" corresponds to "it" in the positive tag.
That wasn't a good idea, was it?
Это была не лучшая идея, не так ли?
"That" corresponds to "it" in the positive tag.
This is the right way, isn't it?
Это правильный путь, не так ли?
"This" corresponds to "it" in the tag.
That was fun, wasn't it?
Это было весело, не так ли?
"That" corresponds to "it" in the tag.

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BeginnerTags After These and Those

These and those normally correspond to they in the question tag.

For example, These are yours, aren't they? and Those were expensive, weren't they?

Examples

These are yours, aren't they?
Это твои, не так ли?
"These" corresponds to "they" in the tag.
Those were expensive, weren't they?
Те были дорогими, не так ли?
"Those" corresponds to "they" in the tag.
These are ready, aren't they?
Эти готовы, не так ли?
"These" corresponds to "they" in the tag.
Those are your keys, aren't they?
То твои ключи, не так ли?
"Those" corresponds to "they" in the tag.
These aren't mine, are they?
Это не мои, не так ли?
"These" corresponds to "they" in the positive tag.
Those weren't easy, were they?
Те были нелегкими, не так ли?
"Those" corresponds to "they" in the positive tag.
These are the tickets, aren't they?
Это билеты, не так ли?
"These" corresponds to "they" in the tag.
Those were good times, weren't they?
Те были хорошие времена, не так ли?
"Those" corresponds to "they" in the tag.

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IntermediateTags with Used To

Statements with used to commonly take did or didn't in the question tag.

For example, You used to live here, didn't you?

Examples

You used to live here, didn't you?
Ты раньше здесь жил, не так ли?
The tag after "used to" uses "didn't you".
She used to work there, didn't she?
Она раньше там работала, не так ли?
The tag after "used to" uses "didn't she".
They used to be friends, didn't they?
Они раньше были друзьями, не так ли?
The tag after "used to" uses "didn't they".
He used to smoke, didn't he?
Он раньше курил, не так ли?
The tag after "used to" uses "didn't he".
You didn't use to like coffee, did you?
Ты раньше не любил кофе, не так ли?
The positive tag after negative "used to" is "did you".
She didn't use to be so quiet, did she?
Она раньше не была такой тихой, не так ли?
The positive tag after negative "used to" is "did she".
We used to meet here, didn't we?
Мы раньше здесь встречались, не так ли?
The tag after "used to" uses "didn't we".
It used to be a school, didn't it?
Раньше это была школа, не так ли?
The tag after "used to" uses "didn't it".

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AdvancedTags with Have

The choice of tag after have depends on whether have is functioning as an auxiliary or lexical verb and can vary by variety and construction.

For example, You have finished, haven't you? contrasts with You have a car, don't you? in common modern usage.

Examples

You have finished, haven't you?
Ты закончил, не так ли?
Auxiliary "have" appears in the tag as "haven't you".
You have a car, don't you?
У тебя есть машина, не так ли?
Lexical "have" commonly uses do-support in the tag: "don't you".
She has arrived, hasn't she?
Она прибыла, не так ли?
Auxiliary "has" appears in the tag as "hasn't she".
She has a sister, doesn't she?
У неё есть сестра, не так ли?
Lexical "has" commonly uses do-support in the tag: "doesn't she".
They have left, haven't they?
Они ушли, не так ли?
Auxiliary "have" appears in the tag as "haven't they".
They have a lot of work, don't they?
У них много работы, не так ли?
Lexical "have" commonly uses do-support in the tag: "don't they".
He has finished, hasn't he?
Он закончил, не так ли?
Auxiliary "has" appears in the tag as "hasn't he".
He has a dog, doesn't he?
У него есть собака, не так ли?
Lexical "has" commonly uses do-support in the tag: "doesn't he".

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AdvancedTags in Informal Conversation

Informal speech allows a range of conversational tag forms and uses them for confirmation, solidarity, persuasion, or reaction.

For example, So you're coming, are you? can express an interested or surprised reaction rather than neutral confirmation.

Examples

So you're coming, are you?
Так ты идёшь, да?
The tag "are you" can express an interested or surprised reaction.
You're not coming, are you?
Ты не идёшь, не так ли?
The tag checks a negative proposition in conversation.
You like it, do you?
Тебе это нравится, да?
The tag "do you" can express surprise or reaction.
You've finished, have you?
Ты закончил, да?
The tag "have you" can express surprise or reaction.
You can swim, can you?
Ты умеешь плавать, да?
The tag "can you" can express surprise or reaction.
You will help, will you?
Ты поможешь, да?
The tag "will you" can express a reaction or challenge.
You were there, were you?
Ты был там, да?
The tag "were you" can express an interested reaction.
You did it, did you?
Ты это сделал, да?
The tag "did you" can express surprise or reaction.

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BeginnerCommon Mistakes

Form question tags by matching the auxiliary, subject pronoun, and polarity of the main statement unless a special tag construction applies.

Common mistakes include using the wrong auxiliary, repeating the noun instead of using a pronoun, getting the positive-negative polarity wrong, using amn't I, and forgetting special tags such as shall we after lets.

Examples

She is here, isn't she?
Она здесь, не так ли?
Correct: the tag matches "be" and uses a pronoun.
She is here, isn't she?
Она здесь, не так ли?
Correct polarity: positive statement + negative tag.
She isn't here, is she?
Она не здесь, не так ли?
Correct polarity: negative statement + positive tag.
You work here, don't you?
Ты работаешь здесь, не так ли?
Correct: do-support is used in the tag.
John is here, isn't he?
Джон здесь, не так ли?
Correct: the noun "John" is replaced by "he" in the tag.
Let's go, shall we?
Давайте пойдём, хорошо?
Correct: "let's" takes the special tag "shall we".
I am late, aren't I?
Я опоздал, не так ли?
Correct: the conventional tag after "I am" is "aren't I".
Nobody called, did they?
Никто не звонил, не так ли?
Correct: negative meaning "nobody" takes a positive tag.

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