same way tag questions with never, a few

[ademoglu]

Hi,

*self-made*

1- So you never go to an opera, don't you? That's awful!

2- There are only a few students in the classroom, are there?

I know we normally should use 'do you?' in the first and 'aren't there?' in the second. However, I would like to ask if we can use same-way tag questions with 'never' and 'a few' as well or not.

Thanks.

 

[Tdol]

What's your intended meaning?

 

[ademoglu]

In the first one, I express surprise when my friend says that he does not go to an opera.

 

[Tdol]

The first does not sound surprised to me. The second could be.

 

[ademoglu]

So, is the first one wrong?

 

[Raymott]

So, is the first one wrong?

I'd say yes, it's wrong.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I am not fond of same way tag questions, but often they express a challenge to the original statement.

You go to Church every Sunday, do you? The speaker is doubtful.
The poor people in the parish are well fed, are they? The speaker is doubtful.

 

[Polyester]

May I say
"So you have never gone to church, haven't you?"

 

[Tdol]

Do you think the person has never been to church?

 

[ademoglu]

Is Polyester's sentence OK If he thinks that the person has never been to church?