Meaning
When we have some idea that something is true, or we suspect it is true, but we are not sure and are asking from a position of uncertainty; we can use Isn’t it a. You can use it to prompt someone to answer your question in regards to something that you think is true or great.
Today’s Sentences
- Isn’t it a nice car?
- Isn’t it a scary movie?
- Isn’t it a great hobby?
- Isn’t it a good school?
- Isn’t it a beautiful day?
- Writer’s Note
01
Isn’t it a nice car?
Situation 1
Is that a vintage model?
Yea, isn’t it a nice car?
I can see that you put a lot of love into this car.
I did.
It takes a lot to care for an older car.
Situation 2
Isn’t it a nice car?
I guess so.
Are you into luxury cars?
I would love to get one but it costs so much up front.
Really?
I prefer the older classic models.
02
Isn’t it a scary movie?
Situation 1
I heard this movie was nominated for an award.
Isn’t it a scary movie?
It is.
I read the reviews and a lot of people wrote that it was gruesome.
I might have to turn away for those parts of the movie.
Situation 2
Are you ready to watch the movie?
I just made some popcorn.
I’ll be right there.
Isn’t it a scary movie?
I think the rating was ‘Suspenseful’.
I hope it doesn’t keep me up at night.
03
Isn’t it a great hobby?
Situation 1
Are you into woodwork?
Yea, I make chairs.
How about you?
I go to a shop to make furniture on the weekends.
Isn’t it a great hobby?
Situation 2
I love our pottery class.
Isn’t it a great hobby?
It’s so relaxing and you feel like you achieved something.
What are you going to work on next?
04
Isn’t it a good school?
Situation 1
Where are you going in the fall?
I’m going to California University.
Isn’t it a good school?
I hear great things about it.
Situation 2
Do you attend MIT?
I do.
Isn’t it a good school?
It’s a great school but not everyone performs well.
05
Isn’t it a beautiful day?
Situation 1
Isn’t it a beautiful day?
I agree.
There aren’t very many days like this.
The sun is out with a cool breeze.
It’s the perfect day to go boat riding or have a picnic.
Should we go for a boat ride?
That sounds like fun!
Situation 2
Isn’t it a beautiful day?
Let’s go for a walk and enjoy the weather.
How about we go to that cafe on the way and grab a coffee?
Perfect!
Writer’s Note
Did you know you can use Isn’t it as a question tag? What is a question tag anyway? A tag question is a short question added to a statement. The tag includes a pronoun and its matching form of the verb be, or auxiliary verb. If the tag question is negative, we shorten the phrase, or use a contraction with the auxiliary verb.
Here are some examples of question tags with contractions.
- The restaurant just reopened, hasn’t it?
- She’s got the most beautiful eyes, doesn’t she?
- He plays the guitar effortlessly, doesn’t he?
- It’s a great movie, isn’t it?
- They’re a great pair of jeans, aren’t they?
Notice how the question tag is added at the end of a sentence. Notice how the tone of the question differs from using it at the beginning of your sentence. Question tags are a great way to add variety to the way you form questions.
