[Grammar] Question tag

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lille82

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Could anybody please explain why it is not correct to use "haven`t you" in this question tag?
"You have a BMW, dont`t you?"
Is it similar to the sentence below where need is used as a main verb not an auxiliary verb?
"They need to go now, don`t they?" is it correct anyway?
 
lille82 said:
Could anybody please explain why it is not correct to use "haven`t you" in this question tag?
"You have a BMW, dont`t you?"
Is it similar to the sentence below where need is used as a main verb not an auxiliary verb?
"They need to go now, don`t they?" is it correct anyway?
Click to expand...

It's not incorrect. Who told you it was?
 
I have the first sentence "You have a BMW, don't you?" in my test book. I was just trying to figure out why can't I use "haven't you".
Also I am not sure how question tags are formed in sentences with "need" as a main verb and "need" as an auxiliary.
 
lille82 said:
I have the first sentence "You have a BMW, don't you?" in my test book. I was just trying to figure out why can't I use "haven't you".
Click to expand...
In American English, "don't you?" is, I believe, more common. In British English, "haven't you?" is more common, though I am hearing "don't you?" more these days. With "You've/You have got ...", only "haven't you?" is acceptable.
Also I am not sure how question tags are formed in sentences with "need" as a main verb and "need" as an auxiliary.
Click to expand...
He needn't work, need he?
He doesn't need to work, does he?
 
That's correct, "don't you?" would be common in AmE.

I don't think I've ever said "need he?"
 
Thank you for your help.

What about the question tag in this sentence: One needs to be punctual.
If it is correct to say "He doesn`t need to work, does he?" then "They need to work, don't they?" is fine as well, isn't it?
 
lille82 said:
What about the question tag in this sentence: One needs to be punctual.
Click to expand...
...doesn't one?
If it is correct to say "He doesn`t need to work, does he?" then "They need to work, don't they?" is fine as well, isn't it?
Click to expand...
Yes. 'Need' is a lexical verb in those sentences, not a modal.
 
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