Don't Forget the Comma Before a Tag Question

When using a tag question in a sentence, it's important to remember to include a comma before the question itself. This small but crucial punctuation mark helps to clarify the structure of the sentence and improve overall readability.

What is a Tag Question?

A tag question is a short question that is added to the end of a statement. It is used to seek confirmation, agreement, or disagreement from the listener. The structure of a tag question typically involves an auxiliary verb and a pronoun that matches the subject of the main clause. For example:

• She is coming, isn't she?
• You don't know him, do you?
• They have already left, haven't they?

Notice that each of these sentences has a comma before the tag question. Let's explore why this comma is necessary.

The Importance of the Comma

The comma before a tag question serves as a visual cue for readers and listeners, signaling that the tag question is separate from the main statement. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the sentence is understood correctly.

Compare the following examples:

• She is coming, isn't she?
• She is coming isn't she?

In the first example, the comma indicates that "isn't she?" is a tag question, seeking confirmation about the statement "She is coming." However, in the second example, the lack of a comma makes it unclear whether "isn't she?" is a tag question or part of the statement itself.

While the absence of a comma may not always lead to confusion, it is recommended to include the comma before tag questions for consistency and to adhere to standard grammatical rules.

Use Linguix Grammar Checker to Catch Mistakes

Remembering to include a comma before a tag question can be a simple yet crucial aspect of writing. To ensure that you catch this and other common mistakes, consider using the Linguix grammar checker. This powerful tool automatically scans your text for errors and offers suggestions for improvement, helping you to produce error-free writing every time.