this isn't

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this isn't" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not conform to a particular expectation or description. Example: "This isn't the book I ordered; I wanted the latest edition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This isn't Chicago, this isn't Paris.

The New Yorker

"This isn't fair — this isn't justice".

The New York Times

This isn't arithmetic.

The Guardian - Opinion

This isn't their fault.

Independent

This isn't about you.

The New Yorker

This isn't Friends.

Independent

"This isn't a system.

Independent

This isn't Prohibition.

The New York Times

This isn't me.

The New York Times

This isn't clean!

The New Yorker

This isn't a seminar.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this isn't" to directly contradict a statement or assumption, creating a clear contrast. For example, "This isn't just a game; it's a matter of survival."

Common error

Avoid using "this isn't" when a broader, more nuanced negation is required. For instance, instead of saying "This isn't good," consider "The results are less than ideal."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this isn't" serves as a negating declarative. It introduces a statement that contradicts a preceding claim or expectation. Ludwig AI shows that this can be used in a broad range of contexts, showing something that something is not.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this isn't" is a common and versatile expression used to negate or contradict a statement, assumption, or expectation. It's grammatically correct and appropriate for most contexts, though alternatives like "this is not" might be preferred in more formal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in various types of writing from media to science, serving to clarify what something is not, and thereby shaping understanding through contrast.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is not

Formal and direct negation; suitable for situations requiring precision.

that isn't

Similar to "this isn't" but referencing something slightly more distant or previously mentioned.

that is not

Shifts the focus to something other than the immediate subject; indicates a different case.

it is not

Impersonal and factual; suitable for objective statements.

it's not

A contraction of "it is not", offering a slightly more casual tone than "it is not" but more formal than "this ain't".

this does not

Emphasizes the absence of an action or quality in a more formal way.

that does not

Refers to something else rather than the immediate subject.

it doesn't

Short form of "it does not"

this ain't

Colloquial and informal; suitable for casual conversation.

this is hardly

Implies something is only slightly true or present; softer negation.

FAQs

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

Use "this isn't" to negate a statement or expectation directly. For example, "This isn't what I signed up for" or "This isn't the right way to do it."

What are some alternatives to using "this isn't"?

Alternatives include "this is not", "that isn't", or "it's not", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

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

Both "this isn't" and "this is not" are grammatically correct. "This isn't" is a contraction and is generally more common in informal contexts, while "this is not" is more formal.

What's the difference between "this isn't" and "that isn't"?

"This isn't" refers to something present or immediate, while "that isn't" refers to something more distant or previously mentioned. The choice depends on what you are negating or contrasting.