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Thestorea •
It's about question tag.
"He can play soccer, ....?"
A. can't he
B. couldn't he
C. can he
I think the answer is "A. can't he". Is it correct?
Thank you in advance!
Jan 6, 2024 1:21 AM
Answers · 3
1
You're correct, you simply reverse/switch the two words and add the negative "n't".
He is happy >>> Isn't he?
They are disappointed >>> Aren't they?
We are satisfied >>> Aren't we?
January 6, 2024
Yes, the rule for question tags in standard English is simple. Use a negative question tag after a positive statement, and a positive question tag after a negative statement.
In informal usage, there can be some regional variations. For example, Canadians are fond of using "Eh?" as a question tag after both positive and negative statements.
January 6, 2024
You’re right, A is the usual form, turning the statement ‘he can play soccer’ in to a question using the negative of the verb : ‘can’t he ?’.
However there is also the possibility of using the version in C in some situations. This may apply when there is less certainty about the answer - it is more open to both positive ‘yes, he can play soccer’ and negative ‘no, he can’t play soccer’. The more common form in A assumes that he can play soccer, so the answer will usually be ‘yes, he can play soccer’, although there may be a ‘concession’ added : ‘but he can’t play this week because he’s injured’.
January 6, 2024
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Thestorea •
Language Skills
English, Indonesian
Learning Language
English
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