Tag Question

A tag question is a form of indirect communication consisting of a short question appended to a declarative statement. It often is used in polite speech to soften or weaken a statement's impact (e.g. “The meetings would run more smoothly if we e-mailed the documents to everyone in advance, don't you think?” ). Throughout this entry, tag questions are italicized.

The tag question has many functions. For instance, it may (a) help prevent the speaker from appearing pushy and thereby help ...

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