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Here are a number of statements that can be ‘tagged’ to make them into questions. Add a tag question to each with the tag you would be most likely to use and also add any other tags you might also use or think others might use. If you wouldn’t use a tag question in this context, is there some other means for seeking confirmation, such as the use of right? or okay? which sounds more natural to you?

See (1) for an example of a potential answer. Indicate for each example which tag you believe to be the prescriptively ‘correct’ tag, or if you might associate certain tags only with certain types of speakers. Compare your results with those of others who do this task. If there are differences in your answers, how can you explain them? Do such differences challenge the idea of a shared communicative competence?

1 He’s ready, isn’t he?Other possible tags: ‘innit,’ ‘ain’t he.’Prescriptively ‘correct’ tag: ‘isn’t he.’

2 I might see you next week, … ?

3 No one goes there any more, … ?

4 Either John or Mary did it, … ?

5 Few people know that, … ?

6 You don’t want to come with us, … ?

7 I have a penny in my purse, … ?

8 I’m going right now, … ?

9 The baby cried, … ?

10 The girl saw no one, … ?