adelelsafty
05-04-2010, 07:43 PM
After an imperative we can use these tags: will you? won't you? would you?
can you? can't you? could you?
a We can use a positive tag after a positive imperative.
Teacher: Get out your books, will/would/can/could you?
The meaning is the same as Will you get out your books? but the pattern with the
tag is more informal.
A negative tag expresses greater feeling.
Doctor: Keep still, won't/can't you?
This suggests that the doctor is especially anxious that the patient should keep still,
or annoyed because the patient cannot keep still.
b In warnings, reminders and good wishes, the tag is won't you? after a positive
imperative and will you? after a negative.
Have a nice holiday, won't you?
Don't forget your key, will you?
In offers and invitations the tag is will you? or won't you?
Have a chocolate, will/won't you?
These tags make the sentences more emphatic.
can you? can't you? could you?
a We can use a positive tag after a positive imperative.
Teacher: Get out your books, will/would/can/could you?
The meaning is the same as Will you get out your books? but the pattern with the
tag is more informal.
A negative tag expresses greater feeling.
Doctor: Keep still, won't/can't you?
This suggests that the doctor is especially anxious that the patient should keep still,
or annoyed because the patient cannot keep still.
b In warnings, reminders and good wishes, the tag is won't you? after a positive
imperative and will you? after a negative.
Have a nice holiday, won't you?
Don't forget your key, will you?
In offers and invitations the tag is will you? or won't you?
Have a chocolate, will/won't you?
These tags make the sentences more emphatic.