Grammar Puzzles Solved (6): What Is the Tag Question of “They Were”?

The sentence “They were” may seem simple, but forming the correct tag question from it can be puzzling if you don’t know the rules. To solve this grammar puzzle, let’s explore what a tag question is, how it works, and what the correct tag for “They were” would be.

A tag question is a short question added at the end of a statement. It is used to confirm information or seek agreement. The basic rule is: if the sentence is positive, the tag is negative; if the sentence is negative, the tag is positive. The tag always matches the auxiliary or helping verb in the main sentence and agrees with the subject in number and person.

Now consider the sentence: “They were.” This is a positive sentence. The auxiliary verb here is “were,” which is the past tense of “be.” The subject is “they,” which is third person plural. Based on the structure of tag questions, a positive statement should be followed by a negative tag. So, the correct tag question would be:

“They were, weren’t they?”

Let’s break that down. “Were” is the auxiliary in the statement, so we will repeat in the tag. Since the main clause is positive, the tag must be negative — hence “weren’t.” And since the subject is “they,” it remains the same in the tag. That gives us “weren’t they?”

However, context can sometimes affect the tag. For instance, if the sentence is part of a question or if “they were” expresses surprise or doubt, tone and punctuation might vary. Still, grammatically, “weren’t they?” remains the standard choice.

Tag questions are essential in conversation and writing. They help keep dialogue flowing, make statements less direct, and encourage listener participation. Mastering them enhances both clarity and fluency.

In conclusion, the tag question of “They were” is “weren’t they?” Understanding the rules behind tag formation ensures accuracy in communication and helps unravel such grammar puzzles confidently.

The Colonial and Early National Period: 

https://americanlit.englishlitnotes.com/colonial-and-early-national-period/

First Year at Harrow: https://englishwithnaeemullahbutt.com/2025/06/02/first-year-at-harrow/

Subject-Verb Agreement: 

https://grammarpuzzlesolved.englishlitnotes.com/subject-verb-agreement-with-or-nor/

The History of English Literature: https://englishlitnotes.com/

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