Question

Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
There aren’t any eggs in the fridge, _______?
A) There is
B) Is there
C) Are there
D) Are they

Answer 1

Hint: Auxiliary verbs are so called because they help to form the various tenses, moods, and voices of other verbs.

Complete step by step answer:
Option A) There is – is an incorrect answer because 'There is' is not a question tag, the tag would begin with the verb 'is'. As Question tags are formed using the auxiliary verbs. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Is there – is an incorrect answer because 'Is there' is a question tag which is used when the subject-verb structure of the sentence is: there is. However, in the given sentence, the verb is plural: are. The tag must agree to the number of the subject-verb (A plural verb in the sentence will require a plural verb in the question tag and the same goes for singular). Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C) Are there – is the correct answer because the given sentence, the subject is 'there' and the verb is 'are not' (aren't is a contraction of are not) in the negative. Hence the question tag must be the reverse: are there (also, it must be positive). Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option D) Are they – is an incorrect answer because 'are they' is used when the subject of the sentence is 'they', but in the given sentence, the subject is 'there'. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note:
A question tag is a short question that is used at the end of a statement. It changes a declarative or imperative statement into an interrogative one. They are mainly used to confirm something or encourage a reply from the listener. Question tags are formed using the auxiliary verbs. The question tag is like a reverse of the sentence, it starts with the verb and ends with the subject. Hence, the question tag that follows a positive statement will be negative, and vice versa. The verb is generally the same as in the sentence. So, out of all the options, Option C is the most appropriate answer.