Understanding Tag Questions
Tag questions are short questions added to the end of a statement, usually to confirm information or seek agreement. They often consist of an auxiliary verb and a pronoun.
Structure of the Sentence
The sentence provided is "It isn’t raining." This is a negative statement. The rule for forming a tag question is:
- If the main statement is negative, the tag question should be positive.
Identifying the Options
Let's analyze the options given:
- a) Is it: This is a positive form of the verb "to be," which correctly corresponds to the negative statement.
- b) Aren’t you: This is incorrect because "you" is not the subject of the main statement.
- c) Was it: This refers to a different tense (past), which does not align with the present tense of the main statement.
- d) Will it: This suggests future tense, which is also not relevant here.
Correct Answer Explanation
The correct option is a) Is it because:
- It transforms the negative statement "It isn’t raining" into a positive tag question, thus maintaining grammatical consistency.
- The full sentence will read: "It isn’t raining, is it?" This effectively seeks confirmation about the current weather.
Conclusion
In summary, when forming tag questions, remember:
- Match the positivity or negativity of the main statement.
- Ensure the subject corresponds correctly.
Using option 'A' keeps the sentence both grammatically correct and contextually relevant.