Choose the right option that can fill the blank in the most appropriate way. I am only a student, ______ ?

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

The question tests the formation of question tags, specifically the irregular form used with the first-person statement 'I am'.
A positive statement like 'I am...' is followed by a negative question tag.
While 'amn't I?' might seem logical, the standard and grammatically correct negative tag for 'I am' in English is 'aren't I?'.
This is a well-known exception to the general rules of forming question tags.

Option A: 'Amn't I' is considered non-standard in formal written and spoken English, although it exists in some regional dialects.
Option B: The auxiliary verb 'do' is used for action verbs in the simple present tense, not for the verb 'to be' (am, is, are).
Option C: The verb 'is' is the third-person singular form and is never used with the first-person pronoun 'I'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain English Grammar: Question Tags as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a grammar question, clear and accurate communication is a critical skill for nurses.
Using correct grammar builds credibility and ensures that instructions, patient history, and documentation are understood without ambiguity.
Miscommunication due to grammatical errors can lead to misunderstandings with patients or colleagues, potentially impacting patient care and safety.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the main statement: 'I am only a student'.
Determine if the statement is positive or negative. 'I am' is positive.
Recall the rule for question tags: a positive statement needs a negative tag.
Identify the subject ('I') and the verb ('am').
Remember the special exception for 'I am'. The standard negative tag is not 'amn't I' but 'aren't I'.
Evaluate the given options and select the one that matches this specific rule.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NVS Staff Nurse - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.