isn't that right

USAGE SUMMARY

"isn't that right" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English
It is typically used in spoken and written English as a rhetorical question to confirm or emphasize a previously stated statement or opinion. It is also often used in a casual conversation to solicit agreement or validation from the listener. Example: "I think we should go to the beach tomorrow, isn't that right?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"You told me you needed to buy a truck — isn't that right?" he asked Touré.

The New Yorker

You were living in Brooklyn at the time — isn't that right?

The New York Times

Fish can sense electricity in a way that we can't, isn't that right?

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's not what happens, it's how we handle it, isn't that right?" she asked.

The New York Times

"Haroun tricked you, isn't that right?" asked one of Mr. Odeh's lawyers, Anthony L. Ricco.

The New York Times

"You're not allowed to wear white pants after Labor Day, isn't that right?" Mr. Blau said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It isn't that bad, right?

The New York Times

"I'm not saying that right now".

The New York Times

But, that isn't real, right?

The New York Times

But that isn't quite right.

The New York Times

That isn't hard, right?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "isn't that right" to engage your audience and encourage participation in the conversation. It works well in informal settings but consider alternatives for formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "isn't that right" excessively, as it can make your speech sound uncertain or manipulative. Balance its usage with more direct statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "isn't that right" functions primarily as a tag question. Tag questions are short questions added to the end of a statement, used to invite agreement, confirmation, or engagement from the listener or reader. As shown by Ludwig AI, this phrase is used in varied contexts for this purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "isn't that right" is a commonly used tag question that serves to solicit agreement or confirmation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence in spoken and written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral to informal register. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, as Ludwig's examples show, it should be used judiciously to avoid overuse. Consider more formal alternatives like "do you agree" in professional settings. The phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, affirming its credibility and widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

am I right

This phrase directly questions the listener's agreement.

right

A shorter, more informal way to seek agreement.

do you agree

Directly asks for the listener's agreement.

correct me if I'm wrong

This phrase explicitly invites correction, whereas "isn't that right" seeks implicit agreement.

agreed

Implies seeking confirmation of a mutual agreement.

would you not agree

More formal and polite way of seeking agreement.

is that not so

A more formal and slightly archaic version of the tag question.

true

A simple way to indicate expectation for confirmation.

or what

A very informal and direct way to seek agreement.

surely

Used to express confidence in what is being stated and seeking confirmation of that confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "isn't that right" in a sentence?

Use "isn't that right" as a tag question at the end of a statement to seek confirmation or agreement, for example: "The weather is beautiful today, isn't that right?"

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

For a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "do you agree" or "would you not agree" which convey a similar meaning while maintaining a higher level of formality.

Is there a difference between "isn't that right" and "am I right"?

While both seek agreement, "isn't that right" is a tag question that assumes agreement and seeks confirmation, while "am I right" directly asks if the speaker's statement is correct, opening the door for potential disagreement.

When should I avoid using "isn't that right"?

Avoid using "isn't that right" in highly formal writing, argumentative contexts, or when you genuinely need to gather unbiased opinions. In these scenarios, direct questions may be more appropriate.