11.3.3 Subject-auxiliary inversion in question tags

Question tags are placed after declarative sentences and are usually used in spoken language to keep up the flow of conversation. Affirmative sentences are usually followed by negative tags and expect the answer yes:

"You are hungry, aren't you?" "Yes, I am."

Negative sentences are usually followed by affirmative tags and expect the answer no:

"You cannot stay longer, can you?" "No, I really can't."

We use rising intonation in the tag to ask for information. But if we don't really expect an answer because the statement is obviously true, we use falling intonation:

You are hungry, aren't you? (with rising intonation = Are you hungry?)
You are hungry, aren't you? (with falling intonation = I know you are hungry.)

Sometimes we use affirmative tags after affirmative sentences to express interest or concern or to ask for confirmation:

So you've inherited a mansion, have you? (interest)
I must get there by ten, must I? (asking for confirmation)

A negative statement with an affirmative tag can also express disapproval:

You don't really think I'll let you get away with it, do you? (I hope you don't think I'll let you get away with it.)

In negative tags, not can come after the pronoun in formal styles or for emphasis:

I am right, am I not?
That's my pen, is it not?
They placed an order, did they not?

Imperatives

Open the door, will you?
Don't speak like that, will you?

Suggestions

Let's dance, shall we?

THIS, THAT, THESE, THOSE

This is great, isn't it?
That's a nice dress, isn't it?
These pancakes are delicious, aren't they?
Those are quite fresh, aren't they?

EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, NOBODY, ANYBODY

Everybody likes her, don't they?
Nobody knew the answer, did they? (negative statement with affirmative tag)
Anybody could do that, couldn't they?
Somebody should do something about this, shouldn't they?

EVERYTHING, SOMETHING, NOTHING, ANYTHING

Nothing could disturb her, could it?

AREN'T I?

I'm late, aren't I?

THERE IS/THERE ARE

There is something you want to say, isn't there?
There weren't any policemen at the demonstration, were there?