it is not

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in any type of written statement, such as to express disagreement or to emphasize something. For example: "It is not a good idea to go to the party without an invitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not love.

The New Yorker

Technically, it is not.

The New York Times

It is not contracting".

The New York Times

It is not fashion.

The New York Times

It is not happening.

The Economist

It is not credible.

The New York Times

It is not judgemental.

Independent

It is not personal".

The New York Times

"It is not needed.

The Economist

Yet it is not.

The New York Times - Arts

It is not stenography.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not" to clearly and directly negate a statement, avoiding ambiguity. For example, "It is not recommended to drive without a license".

Common error

While "it isn't" is acceptable in informal contexts, "it is not" is generally preferred in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not" functions as a negation, directly contradicting a statement or idea. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's used to deny assumptions, correct misunderstandings, or express disagreement. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is not" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used for negation across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, though contractions like "it isn't" are generally preferred in informal settings. Predominantly found in News & Media, "it is not" is a straightforward way to express denial, disagreement, or correction. When aiming for a more nuanced expression, consider alternatives such as "that's incorrect" or "that is false", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it isn't

Contracted form of "it is not".

this is not

Similar to "it is not", but emphasizes a particular item or situation.

that's incorrect

Replaces "it is not" with a more direct denial.

that's wrong

Similar to "that's incorrect", but slightly less formal.

that is false

A more formal way to say something is untrue.

it does not

Emphasizes the lack of action or occurrence.

that's not the case

Indicates that the previously mentioned situation is untrue.

that is negated

A formal and technical way of saying something is denied.

that's a no

An informal and direct rejection.

it fails to be

A more elaborate and formal way of expressing that something is not a certain way.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not" in a sentence?

Use "it is not" to negate a statement or express disagreement. For example, "It is not necessary to bring a gift" or "It is not always easy to make the right decision".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is not"?

Alternatives include "it isn't", "that is incorrect", or "that is false", depending on the context and level of formality.

Which is correct, "it is not" or "it isn't"?

"It is not" and "it isn't" are both grammatically correct, but "it is not" is more formal, while "it isn't" is a contraction suitable for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "it is not" and "this is not"?

"It is not" refers to a general concept or situation, while "this is not" emphasizes a specific item or situation. For example, "It is not always sunny" versus "This is not the right way to do it".