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.
