is it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is it' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it as an interrogative phrase, as in the following example: "I'm not sure what to do - is it the right thing to do?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Decide who is "it".

WikiHow

Is it clean, is it loud?

WikiHow

Is it a craving, is it emotional?

Independent

Is it sad or is it funny?

The New York Times

Is it confidence or is it hubris?

The New York Times

Is it Lowry, or is it us?

The New Yorker

Is it you or is it them?

The New York Times

Is it air or is it water?

SEP

Is it economy or is it environment?

BBC

Is it funding or is it people?

BBC

Is it science or is it medicine?

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a question using "is it", ensure the subject of the question is clear either from the preceding context or within the question itself.

Common error

Avoid using "is it?" without proper context. Ensure the antecedent is clear to prevent confusion. For example, instead of just saying "Is it?", specify "Is it the right decision?" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it" primarily functions as an interrogative, used to form questions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to seek confirmation, clarification, or express doubt about a statement. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

29%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is it" is a versatile and grammatically sound interrogative phrase widely used across diverse contexts to seek confirmation, clarification, or express surprise. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very frequent across many sources. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both informal and formal communication. Remember to provide adequate context when using "is it" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternative phrases like "Does it?" or "Could it be?" to add variety to your writing. Be mindful of intonation, as it can drastically alter the meaning of the question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Does it?

This is a shorter, more direct way to ask for confirmation.

Is that the case?

This alternative seeks confirmation about a specific situation.

Is this correct?

This phrase seeks validation of information.

Could it be?

This phrase introduces a possibility or speculation.

Can it really be?

This expresses surprise or disbelief.

Can that be true?

This questions the veracity of a statement.

Would that be correct?

A more polite and formal inquiry about accuracy.

Are we sure?

This questions the certainty of a statement.

Might it?

A more formal and less common way to inquire about possibility.

Am I right in thinking...?

This invites confirmation of an assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "is it" in a sentence?

The phrase "is it" is typically used to form questions, either seeking confirmation or clarification. For example, "That's the new policy, "is it"?" or "Is it going to rain today?".

What's a more formal alternative to "is it"?

In formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "Does it hold true?", "Is that indeed the case?", or "Am I correct in assuming...?" for a more refined tone.

How does the meaning of "is it" change with intonation?

The intonation can change "is it" from a genuine question seeking information to a rhetorical question expressing disbelief or surprise. A rising intonation typically indicates a genuine question, while a falling intonation can suggest disbelief.

What's the difference between "is it" and "isn't it"?

While "is it" seeks confirmation or asks for information, "isn't it" is a question tag implying an expectation of agreement or confirmation of something the speaker already believes to be true.