2015-08-21
454
This form is less common than the two other kinds of tag questions. A negative - negative form is also grammatically possible, but is very rare and is used to convey aggression:
So he won't pay his bills, won't he? We'll see about that For Let's [> 11.40.2, 16.4.1] and imperative + tag [> 9.55].
13.22 Uses of tag questions + Yes/No short answers
Many languages have a single fixed expression to convey the general idea of 'isn't that so?' to ask people whether they agree with you. By comparison, English has a complex system of tags which can be
13 Questions, answers, negatives
used, with varying forms and intonation, to express a subtle range of meanings. Tags are the essence of conversational style and are very important in spoken English. Certain fixed phrases can be used in place of tags: e.g. isn't that true?, don't you think/agree? in formal style and right? OK? and even eh? in informal style.
Affirmative - negative/negative - affirmative: factual information
When we ask tag questions with a rising tone, we are asking real questions which expect Yes/No answers. However, tag questions often convey more than simple Yes/No questions: as well as asking for information, they can express surprise, anger, interest, etc.: You left the gas on, didn't you?(= Did you leave the gas on?) You didn't leave the gas on, did you? (= I hope you didn't.) You couldn't do me a favour, could you?(= I hope you can.)
Affirmative - negative/negative - affirmative: confirmation
When tag questions are asked with a falling tone, they are more like statements: the falling tone suggests greater certainty. They ask for confirmation of what the questioner assumes to be true.
Affirmative - negative expects a positive confirmation: You locked the door didn't you? - (Yes, I did)
Negative - affirmative expects a negative confirmation: You didn't lock the door, did you? - (No, I didn't)
