is it not true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it not true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when seeking confirmation or agreement about a statement or belief. Example: "Is it not true that we all want to be happy in life?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Is it true, is it not true?

TechCrunch

And is it not true?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Not only is it not true, it's absolute nonsense.

Independent

Not only is it not true – it's absolute nonsense".

The Guardian

But is it not true that liberals are more likely to criticise Thomas Jefferson than conservatives?

The Economist

Socrates: And is it not true that privacy and UV-40 Reflecto-coat are one and the same!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Problem is, technically, it's not true.

The New York Times

It's not like it's not true".

The New Yorker

It's not true, it's not real.

Independent

If that was ever true, it's not true anymore.

The New Yorker

So he said if he says it's not true, then it's not true.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is it not true" to introduce a question that you expect the listener or reader to agree with, adding emphasis to your point. For a less formal tone, consider using the contraction "isn't it true".

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of "is it not true" can make your writing sound overly formal or even stilted. Vary your sentence structure with more direct questions or statements to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it not true" functions as a question tag, typically placed at the end of a statement to solicit agreement or confirmation. It turns a declarative statement into an interrogative one, seeking validation from the listener or reader. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is it not true" serves as a question tag, inviting agreement and emphasizing a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. It leans toward a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for persuasive communication. To maintain a natural writing flow, it is essential to be mindful of the possibility of sounding overly formal and remember to vary sentence structure with more direct questions or statements. While semantically equal to other alternatives like "isn't that right" or "is that not the case", this phrase presents a specific connotation of formality that has to be taken into account in specific scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isn't that right

More informal contraction of "is not", implies seeking agreement.

is that not the case

More formal and indirect way of seeking confirmation.

would you not agree

Introduces an element of personal opinion and invites agreement.

am I wrong in saying

More tentative, suggesting the speaker is open to correction.

can you deny

Challenges someone to disprove a statement directly.

surely that's the case

Expresses a strong belief that something is true, seeking agreement.

it is indeed

Highlights agreement or confirmation of a statement.

doesn't that seem plausible

Seeks agreement on the likelihood or reasonableness of something.

one might say

Offers a statement as a possible interpretation or perspective.

it stands to reason

Asserts that something is logically likely or expected.

FAQs

What does "is it not true" mean?

The phrase "is it not true" is a question tag used to seek agreement or confirmation on a statement. It implies that the speaker believes the statement to be accurate and is looking for validation from the listener or reader. You can use alternatives like "isn't that right" or "is that not the case".

When is it appropriate to use "is it not true"?

Use "is it not true" when you want to emphasize a point and invite agreement, particularly in formal or persuasive contexts. However, be mindful of the tone; it can sound assertive or rhetorical. For a more casual setting, consider using "isn't it true" instead.

How can I rephrase "is it not true" to sound more natural?

To sound more natural, you can use alternatives such as "would you not agree", "am I wrong in saying", or simply state the point as a fact and omit the tag question altogether. The best choice depends on the specific context and your desired level of formality.

Is there a difference in meaning between "is it not true" and "isn't it true"?

While both phrases serve the same basic function of seeking agreement, "is it not true" is more formal and emphatic, whereas "isn't it true" is more casual and conversational. The choice depends on the tone you wish to convey.