Isn't it, is it not, is not it

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Neversaynever

#356563 Fri, 27 Apr 07 12:40 PM

Hello, I posted this under another thread yesterday, but nobody replied.. So, I am now posting it as a new thread;

Is it okay to say "is not it?" because I don't remember I have seen it in that way, and I wonder if it's correct.. I sometimes want to use that but because I get doubtful I use 'is it not' in my papers.. So, If I want to write it in a short/informal way "isn't it?", but If I want to write it in a formal/long way I will write "is it not?" but I cannot write "is not it?" or can I? Stick out tongue [:P]

Thanks in advance Smile [:)]

Neversaynever

Joined on Wed, Nov 1 2006

Turkey

Full Member (238)

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on..." Robert Frost

Kooyeen

#356617 Fri, 27 Apr 07 02:42 PM

Hi Neversaynever,
sorry, I didn't reply in the other thread. I think the extended version of "isn't it" is "is it not", and not "is not it", but you'd better wait for some native speaker. However, I would never use "is it not" instead of "isn't it", even if I had to write something formal. I just don't like the extended version, you know... Smile [:)]

Kooyeen

Joined on Thu, Dec 22 2005

Italy

Senior Member (4,073)

If you don't have a sense of humor already, it's about time you buy one.

Cool Breeze

#356621 Fri, 27 Apr 07 02:53 PM

Hi NSN

Is not it? is always wrong. Is it not? is right. Not always comes after the subject if it isn't contracted:
are you not?
does he not?
will she not?
should they not? etc.

Cheers
CB

Cool Breeze

Joined on Fri, Apr 7 2006

Helsinki, Finland

Senior Member (3,006)

The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.- Mark Twain

Neversaynever

#356681 Fri, 27 Apr 07 04:31 PM

Thank you, I got it know Smile [:)]

Neversaynever

Yoong Liat

#356752 Fri, 27 Apr 07 07:56 PM

Neversaynever wrote:

Is it okay to say "is not it?" because I don't remember I have seen it in that way, and I wonder if it's correct.. use that but because I, but if I want to write it in a formal/long way I will write "is it not?" but I cannot write "is not it?" or can I?