Learning English

Free worksheet and transcript

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How to express different meanings using intonation in question tags

A question tag is when we turn a statement into a question by adding a tag at the end. For example, You're going to the theatre later, aren't you? A falling intonation is when your voice goes down at the end of what you're saying. A rising intonation is when your voice goes up at the end of what you're saying. Learn more about question tags here. 

Use a falling intonation in your question tags when you want to start a conversation or are encouraging the other person to say something. For example: 

• I'm going to India next week. Andrew, you've been to India, haven't you? (The speaker is inviting Andrew to share his experience of India.)
• In this podcast, we're talking about sugar addiction, and Pippa, I know you like sugar in your tea, don't you? (The speaker is inviting Pippa to talk about her sugar intake.)

You can also use a falling intonation in your question tags when you think you know the answer, but you want to check. For example: 

• Ruby's going to the theatre later, isn't she? (The speaker knows Ruby is going to the theatre but wants to check.) 
• The Sun rises in the east, doesn't it? (The speaker is sure that the Sun rises in the east, but wants to check.)

Use a rising intonation when you don't know the answer and want to find out. This is a genuine question. For example:

• But Sally's an electrician, isn't she? (The speaker is unsure Sally is an electrician and wants to find out the answer.)
• The Sun rises in the east, doesn't it? (The speaker is unsure if the Sun rises in the east and wants to find out the answer.)

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To do

Practise by using the worksheet on this page. The clip we heard came from an episode of Real Easy English about teachers - listen to the whole programme.

Next

Do you want to learn about connected speech? Try Tim's Pronunciation Workshop. 

Learn more about question tags.