Question tags: Aren’t you? don’t you? — Explanation

Practice question tags like aren’t you and don’t you with B1 grammar exercises. Clear explanations and test-style questions for learners.

Question Tags: Aren’t You? / Don’t You? Exercises

In English, question tags are short questions that come at the end of a sentence. We use them to check facts, get confirmation, or keep a conversation going. The most common question tags at the B1 level are things like "aren't you?" and don't you?

What Is a Question Tag?

To make a question tag, you add an auxiliary verb and a pronoun to the end of a sentence.

Example

• You are tired, aren’t you?
• You like coffee, don’t you?

The sentence tells you something, and the tag asks if it's true.

Basic Rule

The main rule is easy:

• Positive sentence → negative tag
• Negative sentence → positive tag

Examples

• She is ready, isn’t she?
• They don’t live here, do they?

Aren’t You?

We use aren't you? when the main sentence has am, is, or are in it.

Structure

Subject + am / is / are + … , aren’t you?

Examples

• You are from Turkey, aren’t you?
• You’re coming with us, aren’t you?

❗Note:
We don't usually say, "Am I not?" in English that is spoken. We use aren't I? instead.

• I’m late, aren’t I?

Don’t You?

We say "don't you?" when the main sentence uses the present simple tense with verbs like "like," "work," "live," "want," and "have."

Structure

Subject + base verb + … , don’t you?

Examples

• You work here, don’t you?
• You like this song, don’t you?

Intonation and Meaning

The way you say the question tag can change its meaning:

• Falling intonation → You expect the answer to be yes
• Rising intonation → You are not sure and want confirmation

Examples

• It’s cold today, isn’t it? (I think it is)
• You haven’t met her before, have you? (I’m not sure)

Short Answers

The answer to a question tag is based on the fact, not the form.

• You’re not busy, are you?
  • No, I’m not. (I’m free)
  • Yes, I am. (I’m busy)

This can be confusing, so always think about the meaning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect: You are happy, don’t you?
Correct: You are happy, aren’t you?

Incorrect: You like pizza, aren’t you?
Correct: You like pizza, don’t you?

Make sure the tag and the auxiliary verb in the main sentence are the same.

Things to Keep in Mind

• People use question tags to check or confirm facts.
• Negative tags go with positive sentences.
• You are not. with am, is, or are.
• Use don't you? with the current simple.

If you learn how to use question tags, you'll sound more natural and sure of yourself in everyday English.