is this not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is this not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to pose a rhetorical question or to emphasize a point, often implying that the answer is obvious or expected. Example: "Is this not the best solution we have considered so far?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Why is this not happening?

The Economist

Why is this not a neoconservative pitch?

The Economist

Why is this not sensible?

Yale University

For is this not America?

The New York Times - Magazine

Why is this not surprising?

The New York Times - Magazine

W hy is this not discussed more?

Harvard University

Why is this not evolutionarily stable?

Yale University

Why is this not an equilibrium?

Yale University

Q: How is this not child abuse?

The Washington Post

Why is this not being exploited?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is not baseball".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is this not" to introduce a rhetorical question, implying the answer should be obvious or self-evident. This can add emphasis to your point.

Common error

Avoid using "is this not" in situations where a genuine, open-ended question is needed. It can come across as leading or biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is this not" functions primarily as an interrogative, used to pose a question. Ludwig AI confirms that it is often rhetorical, implying a certain answer or emphasizing a point. The examples show the phrase used to challenge assumptions or seek agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is this not" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative structure that typically implies a rhetorical question or emphasizes a point. Ludwig AI analysis highlights its common usage across diverse sources like News & Media and Academia, reflecting a neutral register. When using the phrase, writers should note its potential to sound leading or biased. Consider alternatives such as "isn't it" for casual contexts or "is it not the case that" for formal ones. Overall, understanding the nuances of "is this not" is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't this

Uses a contraction and slightly different word order while retaining the same meaning.

isn't that so

Emphasizes agreement or confirmation, shifting the focus slightly.

does this not seem

Adds a layer of subjectivity by asking about perception.

are we not

Shifts the subject to a collective "we", changing the perspective of the question.

surely this is

Expresses surprise or disbelief and seeks validation.

could it be that

Introduces more uncertainty and speculation compared to the directness of the query.

how could this not be

Emphasizes strong disagreement, almost rhetorical in nature.

would you not say

Invites the listener to share an opinion, making it less direct.

is it not the case that

More formal and emphasizes a statement's truth or validity.

can we all agree that

Seeks consensus, altering the purpose from questioning to affirming.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is this not" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "is it not the case that" or "would you not agree that" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is this not" in writing?

Use "is this not" when you want to make a point by implying that something is obvious or self-evident. It's effective in rhetorical questions where the answer is strongly suggested.

What's a more casual way to say "is this not"?

More casual alternatives include "isn't it" or "doesn't this", which are contractions commonly used in spoken English.

Can "is this not" be considered a biased way of asking a question?

Yes, using "is this not" can suggest a preconceived notion or desired answer. If you seek a truly unbiased response, it's better to phrase the question more neutrally.