The Communicative Grammar of English Workbook - Edward Woods, Rudy Coppieters 2002

1.3. Tag questions and ellipsis
Unit one. Spoken and written English

Sections 24-25; 245; 384; 684

With tag questions the speaker asserts something and then invites the listener’s response. Initial ellipsis is a characterisation of informal talk. It creates the sort of relaxed atmosphere that we try to achieve in a cooperative social situation.

Task one *

Complete the statements below by adding tag questions.

1. You saw Anne last week, ...?

2. I was sorry for you on your holiday. It rained every day, ...?

3. I’d like to be back in England now. The Spring flowers are out, ...?

4. They’re very young, so we won’t tell them about Uncle David, ...?

5. I know they were late, but the car broke down, ...?

6. He hasn’t failed the exam again, ...?

7. I can see it in your face. You don’t remember meeting me, ...?

8. The bank wouldn’t lend them the money, …?

9. I am coming with you, ...?

10. We’ll meet again next week to discuss this further, ...?

Task two *

Complete the sentences below by adding what has been omitted through initial ellipsis.

1. Quite a comic, isn’t he?

2. Sound like my mother, don’t I?

3. Very difficult, isn’t it?

4. Something to do with a strike, wasn’t it?

5. Not coming with us, are you?

6. Didn’t believe all that nonsense, did you?

7. Couldn’t tell him that, could I?

8. Solve the problem, won’t he?

9. Get the money, won’t you?

10. Seen that before, haven’t we?

Task three *

Complete the sentences below by adding what has been omitted through initial ellipsis.

1. Thought it was a good film.

2. Mind coming a bit earlier, say 5.30?

3. Had a good day in Siena.

4. Bought some good local wine.

5. Hope you had a good holiday.

6. Tell me where Elizabeth Street is, please?

7. Wasn’t me! I wasn’t there.

8. Can’t help you! Sorry!

9. Really think it was me? I can’t believe that.

10. Gotta be off now, haven’t we?

Task four **

Rewrite the following sentences, omitting part of the sentences.

1. I hope you don’t mind my asking, but did you really threaten to resign?

2. You can’t believe a word he says.

3. I saw them out together again last night. They’re getting on very well, aren’t they!?

4. It didn’t help that you were half-an-hour late.

5. I’ve gotta get this in the post by tonight.

6. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get the best grades.

7. I don’t know why he thought we weren’t coming.

8. There’s no problem about leaving so early.

9. You didn’t bother to let him know, did you?

10. I can’t help thinking we should have done more to help her.