Definition of tag question

The term "tag question" is often used in linguistics to describe a type of grammatical structure found in some varieties of English, particularly British and Australian English. The term "tag" is derived from the way these questions are often appended to the end of a statement, almost like a tag or label. The word "question" refers to the fact that these tags are actually grammatical structures that turn statements into questions. So, a "tag question" is essentially a short question that is added to the end of a statement, typically in the form of a subject-verb inversion and auxiliary verb followed by a pronoun, such as "isn't it?" or "aren't they?" These tag questions are used to make statements more rhetorical, inviting the listener to confirm or deny the speaker's opinion. The origin of tag questions is not fully understood, but it is thought to have developed as a way for speakers to invite confirmation or agreement in conversational settings without having to overtly ask a question. The use of tags is less common in American English, although it is still found in some dialects, particularly those with close ties to British English such as New England and certain parts of the Midwest.