GramifyLearn
BeginnerQuestions

Learn Short Answers and Tag Questions in English

Give short answers (Yes, I do.) and form tag questions (isn't it?).

Learning goal
Recognize and use this pattern in context.
Practice
10 randomized questions with explanations.
Suggested workflow
Study the examples, then take the quiz.

Grammar Focus

In English, two very useful structures help conversations feel natural and efficient: short answers and tag questions. Short answers let you respond to yes/no questions without repeating the full sentence. Tag questions let you check information or invite agreement at the end of a statement.

  • A short answer uses Yes/No + subject + auxiliary verb: "Do you like coffee?" → "Yes, I do."
  • A tag question is a mini-question added to the end of a statement: "She is kind, isn't she?"
  • If the main statement is affirmative, the tag is negative: "You can swim, can't you?"
  • If the main statement is negative, the tag is affirmative: "He doesn't drive, does he?"
  • The auxiliary verb in the short answer or tag must match the tense and subject of the original sentence.
  • In short answers, never repeat the main verb — only use the auxiliary: "Yes, I do" (not "Yes, I do like it").

Form & Structure

Short Answers

Yes/No + subject + auxiliary verb
"Do you work here?" → "Yes, I do. / No, I don't. "
"Is she a teacher?" → "Yes, she is. / No, she isn't. "
"Can they help us?" → "Yes, they can. / No, they can't. "

Affirmative Tag Questions

Affirmative statement + negative tag? (She is nice, isn't she?)
You are coming to the party, aren't you?
He works late every day, doesn't he?
They have finished the project, haven't they?

Negative Tag Questions

Negative statement + affirmative tag? (He can't swim, can he?)
She isn't feeling well, is she?
You didn't call him, did you?
They won't be late, will they?

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong auxiliary in a short answer

"Do you like tea?" → "Yes, I am."
"Do you like tea?" → "Yes, I do."

Tip: The auxiliary in your short answer must match the auxiliary in the question. If the question uses 'do', your answer must also use 'do' or 'don't'.

Forming a tag question with the wrong polarity

She is happy, isn't it?
She is happy, isn't she?

Tip: The subject in the tag must match the subject of the main clause. Use a pronoun that refers to the same person or thing: 'she' → 'isn't she', 'they' → 'aren't they'.

Using a negative tag after a negative statement

He doesn't smoke, doesn't he?
He doesn't smoke, does he?

Tip: If the main statement is negative, the tag must be affirmative. If the main statement is affirmative, the tag must be negative. They always have opposite polarity.

Why This Grammar Matters

Confirming information with a colleague

“The meeting starts at ten, doesn't it?”
“You sent the report already, didn't you?”

Responding to questions efficiently in conversation

“"Are you ready?" "Yes, I am."”
“"Did she call?" "No, she didn't."”

Making small talk and inviting agreement

“It's a lovely day, isn't it?”
“You've been to Paris before, haven't you?”

Expressing surprise or seeking reassurance

“She can't be serious, can she?”
“You didn't forget my birthday, did you?”