Quick answer. A question tag repeats the auxiliary from the main sentence. Positive sentence usually takes a negative tag; negative sentence takes a positive tag. This page gives the rule, formula, examples, exercises, answers, Russian-speaker mistakes and a self-check.
The exercises are for A2-B1 learners who know the topic separately but need controlled practice before using it in mixed grammar tasks.
Rule and formula
A question tag repeats the auxiliary from the main sentence. Positive sentence usually takes a negative tag; negative sentence takes a positive tag.
| Pattern | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Base rule | You are tired, aren’t you? | Look at the word before the gap. |
| Contrast | She doesn’t smoke, does she? | The pattern changes the meaning. |
Typical mistakes for Russian speakers
| Mistake | Reason | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing by Russian translation | Russian and English patterns do not match one to one. | Learn the English phrase as a whole. |
| Ignoring the trigger | The trigger is usually before the gap. | Underline it first. |
| Guessing from sound | Wrong options can sound familiar. | Explain the rule after each answer. |
Exercise 1: complete the sentences
- You are tired, ___?
- She doesn’t smoke, ___?
- They went home, ___?
- He can swim, ___?
- Let’s start, ___?
Answers to Exercise 1
- aren’t you
- does she
- didn’t they
- can’t he
- shall we
Exercise 2: mixed review
- We talked ___ the lesson yesterday.
- It is important ___ practise regularly.
- She has lived here ___ 2020.
- You like English, ___?
- He finished ___ the report.
- I am afraid ___ making mistakes.
- They will come, ___?
- She wants ___ improve her pronunciation.
Answers to Exercise 2
- about
- to
- since
- don’t you
- writing
- of
- won’t they
- to
Extra practice
After checking the answers, write five personal sentences with the same grammar pattern. Personal examples are stronger than random translation because they force you to choose the structure in a realistic context. Keep the sentences short and underline the word that explains your grammar choice.
Then read the sentences aloud. If you pause before the grammar form, repeat the rule and say the sentence again. This step helps you move from recognition to active use.
Self-check
How to check yourself
Do not only count correct answers. For every mistake, write the trigger: verb pattern, preposition, auxiliary, time marker or fixed phrase. If you cannot name the trigger, repeat the rule before doing another test.
Related links
modal verbs exercises. present simple exercises. past simple exercises.
FAQ
What level are these exercises for?
They are best for A2-B1 learners. If you make more than half of the answers wrong, revise the rule first and return to the test later.
Should I translate the sentence into Russian?
Translation can help with meaning, but the grammar decision should come from the English pattern. Underline the trigger before choosing the answer.
How often should I repeat the test?
Repeat it after one day and again after one week. If the same mistake returns, write three new personal examples with the correct pattern.
