Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[gsjackie]

I have a question about using tag questions. Here are some examples.

1. I believe she can make it, don't I?
I believe she can make it, can't she?

2. We believe she can make it, don't we?
We believe she can make it, can't she?

3. He believes she can make it, doesn't he?
He believes she can make it, can't she?

As I know, in a compound sentence, a tag question is made according to
the main clause. However, in example 1, it's strange to say "don't I".
Dear teacher, please tell me how to use tag questions correctly.

[CP]

1. I believe she can make it, don't I? No.
I believe she can make it, can't she? No.
OK: She can make it, can't she? You don't think she can make it, do you?

2. We believe she can make it, don't we? No.
We believe she can make it, can't she? No.
OK: They believe she can make it, don't they?

3. He believes she can make it, doesn't he? OK.
He believes she can make it, can't she? No.

The tag question relates to the main verb. It doesn't sound right in no. 1, where the speaker questions his own beliefs. No. 2 similarly.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[gsjackie]

Thanks for your reply, CP.
Now I see. However, I wonder if it's possible to ask someone himself or herself to emphasize "I do believe so."

[emile]

The first example in each case is technically correct. It's just that it sounds unnatural. The second case could also be technically correct in each case.

I think here we're looking at what sounds natural rather than what is technically correct.