won't you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "won't you" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as a polite request for someone to do something. For example: "Would you like to go to the movies this weekend, won't you?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Follow us, won't you?

The New Yorker

What won't you miss?

The Guardian

Look spiffy, won't you?

The Guardian - Business

Why won't you die?

The New Yorker

You'll PLAY ALONG, won't you?

The New York Times

Readers, won't you join me?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

You won't hear it, you won't smell it, you won't feel it".

Forbes

We won't have you.

The New Yorker

"'They won't bother you.

Independent

He won't tell you.

The New York Times

I won't forgive you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "won't you". While generally acceptable, it may sound somewhat old-fashioned in very informal settings.

Common error

While appropriate in conversational settings, overuse of "won't you" can make formal writing sound overly familiar or even condescending. In such cases, opt for more direct or formal phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "won't you" is to serve as a tag question, typically added to the end of a declarative sentence to invite confirmation or agreement. Ludwig indicates it’s a polite and common phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "won't you" is a grammatically sound and commonly used tag question, as validated by Ludwig. It's primarily used to soften requests, extend polite invitations, or seek agreement, finding frequent application in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, avoiding overuse in overly formal settings. Alternatives such as "would you" or direct requests may be more appropriate in some cases. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's correctness and usability across a wide range of sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will you

This is a direct request or invitation, lacking the element of seeking agreement inherent in "won't you".

would you

This offers a more polite or formal tone, softening the directness of the request.

can you

This questions ability rather than willingness, shifting the focus from invitation to capability.

could you

Similar to "would you", this adds a layer of politeness or deference, making the request less assertive.

shall we

This is often used as an invitation to do something together, implying a shared activity or decision.

please do

This is a direct and simple request, emphasizing politeness but lacking the interrogative aspect of "won't you".

care to

This phrase implies an invitation with a hint of curiosity about the other person's inclination.

how about

This introduces a suggestion or alternative, prompting a decision rather than seeking agreement.

if you please

This emphasizes the polite nature of the request, framing it as a favor.

do you want to

This phrase directly questions the other person's desire, rather than seeking an affirmative response.

FAQs

How do I use "won't you" in a sentence?

"Won't you" is used as a tag question at the end of a statement to invite agreement or encourage action. For example, "Join us for dinner, won't you?"

What's the difference between "will you" and "won't you"?

"Will you" is a direct request or invitation, while "won't you" implies an expectation of agreement or compliance. "Will you" seeks information about someone's willingness, whereas "won't you" assumes they are willing.

What can I say instead of "won't you" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "would you", "could you", or simply make a direct request without a tag question.

Is it correct to use "won't you" in written English?

Yes, the phrase "won't you" is grammatically correct and widely used in written English, particularly in informal and conversational contexts.