Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Tag questions are short questions added to the end of statements, typically used to confirm information or invite agreement. They are formed by using an auxiliary verb and a pronoun that corresponds to the subject of the main clause. Incorrect formation of tag questions is a common grammatical error. This question requires a precise correction of the given sentence, maintaining its original meaning while ensuring grammatical accuracy. The core principle lies in understanding the correct auxiliary verb usage based on the main verb's tense and form.
The original sentence is: "She does not know cooking, doesn't she?"
Identifying the Error
The error lies in the use of 'doesn't'. 'Doesn't' is a contraction of 'does not'. Since the main clause uses 'does not', the tag question should use 'do' to maintain grammatical consistency. The correct auxiliary verb to use in the tag question when the main verb uses 'does not' is 'do'.
Corrected Sentence
The corrected sentence is: "She does not know cooking, does she?"
Explanation of the Correction
- The main clause is in the present indefinite tense with a negative form ("does not know").
- Tag questions are formed by inverting the auxiliary verb and pronoun.
- Since the main verb uses 'does not', the tag question must begin with 'do'.
- The pronoun 'she' remains consistent in the tag question.
Illustrative Examples
- He is going, isn't he?
- They were playing, weren't they?
- You have finished, haven't you?
- She can swim, can't she?
Common Mistakes in Tag Questions
| Incorrect Tag Question | Correct Tag Question |
|---|---|
| He is a doctor, isn't he? (Incorrect - uses 'is' again) | He is a doctor, isn't he? (Correct) |
| They didn't go, did they? (Incorrect - should be 'do') | They didn't go, did they? (Correct) |
| You are coming, aren't you? (Incorrect - uses 'are' again) | You are coming, aren't you? (Correct) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct form of the tag question for the sentence "She does not know cooking" is "does she?". This correction ensures grammatical accuracy by maintaining consistency in auxiliary verb usage between the main clause and the tag question. Understanding the rules of tag question formation is crucial for effective communication and accurate writing, particularly in formal contexts like the UPSC examination.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.