isn't it pretty

USAGE SUMMARY

'isn't it pretty' is correct and usable in written English
You can use it to express surprise or admiration of something, or to make a rhetorical question. For example: "The sunset is breathtaking, isn't it pretty?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

But isn't it pretty to think so?

The New York Times

Well, dream on, Gramps — or, as Hemingway's Jake Barnes said, isn't it pretty to think so?

The New Yorker

But as a dream that more collaborative days are ahead of us, well, isn't it pretty to think so?

The New York Times - Books

The Americans were saying, 'Oh, isn't it pretty?' We were looking at each other going, 'What the fuck is this?' I love the song, though - somehow it will protect me from here to eternity.

The Guardian - Music

But isn't it pretty?" The second year of the marriage, Eveanna was born, and, three years later, Beverly; after each confinement, the young mother had experienced an inexplicable despondency — seizures of grief that sent her wandering from room to room in a hand-wringing daze.

The New Yorker

Yes, isn't it pretty to think so?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It isn't always pretty.

The New York Times - Books

It isn't a pretty picture.

University of California, Berkeley

And it isn't always pretty.

The Guardian - Money

It isn't pretty.

Independent

It isn't pretty if they do.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "isn't it pretty" to express genuine surprise or admiration when encountering something visually appealing or pleasing. It's a versatile phrase suitable for both casual and slightly more formal settings.

Common error

While "isn't it pretty" is a valid expression, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or insincere. Vary your expressions of admiration by using synonyms or more descriptive language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "isn't it pretty" functions primarily as an interrogative tag added to a statement. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to express surprise or admiration, or to pose a rhetorical question. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts to evoke a sense of beauty or aesthetic appeal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "isn't it pretty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, primarily functioning as a rhetorical question to express admiration or seek agreement on the beauty of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's more suited for informal or neutral contexts, with the majority of examples found in News & Media. Overuse can lead to repetitiveness, so varying your expressions is recommended. Related phrases include "doesn't it look nice" and "how lovely it is". Overall, "isn't it pretty" is a reliable and effective way to convey appreciation for aesthetics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't it look nice

Changes the emphasis from a general aesthetic question to a more direct observation about appearance.

is it not beautiful

Uses a more formal and slightly archaic phrasing to convey the same sentiment.

how lovely it is

Shifts from a question to a statement expressing admiration.

isn't that delightful

Replaces "pretty" with a synonym suggesting pleasure and charm.

isn't it gorgeous

Substitutes "pretty" with a stronger adjective implying striking beauty.

isn't it attractive

Replaces "pretty" with a more general term for appealing qualities.

isn't it appealing

Similar to "attractive", but emphasizes the quality of being pleasing or interesting.

doesn't it seem wonderful

Shifts the focus to a feeling of wonder and amazement rather than pure aesthetics.

wouldn't it be nice

Implies a sense of longing or wishful thinking.

how charming is that

Expresses appreciation for something endearing or delightful, moving away from pure beauty.

FAQs

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

You can use "isn't it pretty" as a rhetorical question to express admiration or appreciation for something. For example, "The garden is full of roses, "isn't it pretty"?"

What are some alternatives to "isn't it pretty"?

Alternatives include "doesn't it look nice", "how lovely it is", or "isn't that delightful", depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "isn't it pretty" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "isn't it pretty" is generally more suited for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more descriptive and sophisticated language to express aesthetic appreciation.

What does the phrase "isn't it pretty to think so" mean?

The phrase "isn't it pretty to think so", often attributed to Ernest Hemingway, expresses a wistful or ironic acknowledgment of a pleasant but unrealistic idea.