Tag question

[Anhminh1232002]

Hello everyone,

Nobody phoned, _______ ?

I am wondering whether using 'did they' or 'didn't they'.
In my opinion, both can be used. But if we are requesting an answer from other, then we use 'didn't they'. If we are NOT requesting an answer from other, then we use 'did they'.
Am I correct?
Thanks.

[Beeesneees]

'did they' is correct.
'didn't they' is incorrect.
This applies regardless of whether or not you are expecting an answer.

Use a positive question tag with a negative (nobody) statement.
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[Jaro7788]

Well, as far as I'm aware, only "did they" is applicable since we treat the rest of the sentence as a negative. I've never heard that whether you require an answer or not makes a difference (BTW, if you don't require one, what's the purpose of forming a tag question anyhow?). Let others decide, though.

[Alan]

Hi,

The sentence: Nobody phoned, did they? is just a straightforward question similar to: Did anyone phone? It isn't an example of a question tag.

Alan
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