isn't it

USAGE SUMMARY

"isn't it" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a tag question at the end of a sentence to ask for confirmation from the person you are talking to. For example: "That's a great idea, isn't it?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's crazy, isn't it?

The New York Times

Small world, isn't it?

The New Yorker

Heaven, isn't it?

The New Yorker

Sensible, isn't it?

The Economist

Tiring isn't it?

Independent

Mind-blowing, isn't it?

The New York Times - Tech

Lovely image, isn't it?

The New York Times

Depressing, isn't it?

The New Yorker

That's work, isn't it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Grim stuff, isn't it?

The New Yorker

That's true, isn't it?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "isn't it", ensure the preceding statement is affirmative. If the statement is negative, use "is it" instead. For example, "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" (affirmative) vs. "It isn't raining, is it?" (negative).

Common error

Avoid using "isn't it" after a negative statement. This creates a double negative, which is grammatically incorrect and can confuse your audience. Instead, use "is it".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "isn't it" is to serve as a tag question. It transforms a statement into a question, inviting agreement or confirmation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "isn't it" is a versatile tag question used to solicit agreement or confirmation, predominantly in neutral to informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various platforms. It's crucial to pair it with affirmative statements and avoid using it after negative clauses, where "is it" would be more appropriate. Its prevalence is particularly noticeable in news and media, as well as scientific and wiki contexts, making it a valuable phrase to master for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right?

A more direct and informal way to seek agreement.

correct?

Similar to 'right?', but slightly more formal.

agreed?

Implies a stronger expectation of consensus.

wouldn't you say?

Invites a more considered opinion.

don't you think?

A gentler way to solicit agreement.

is that not so?

More formal and somewhat archaic.

am I wrong?

Challenges the listener to disagree.

or what?

Very informal and casual, suggesting a lack of concern.

yeah?

Extremely informal and brief, used mostly in casual speech.

no?

Simple, direct, and slightly challenging.

FAQs

How do I use "isn't it" in a sentence?

"Isn't it" is used as a tag question at the end of a statement to seek confirmation or agreement. For example, "The weather is lovely today, isn't it?"

What's a more formal alternative to "isn't it"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "is that not so?" or rephrasing the sentence to directly ask for confirmation, such as, "The weather is lovely today, would you agree?"

When should I use "is it" instead of "isn't it"?

Use "is it" after a negative statement. For example, "It's not raining, is it?" Using "isn't it" in this case would be grammatically incorrect.

What does "isn't it" imply in a conversation?

"Isn't it" implies that you expect the listener to agree with your statement. It's a way to invite them into the conversation and seek their validation.