isn't
1.0
A short way to say that something is not true or not happening, used in negative sentences and questions
- auxiliary
- /ˈɪzənt/
- Informal
:
no es
- He isn't coming to the party because he has to work late.
Examples
-
Why isn't he here yet?
-
It isn't raining.
-
Isn't it amazing how quickly the weather can change in spring?
-
This isn't the answer I was hoping for on the test.
-
Isn't it amazing how quickly the weather can change in spring?
-
This isn't the answer I was hoping for on the test.
-
Isn't he coming to the party because he has to work late?
Idioms
isn't someone supposed to
- Informal
242
7.5
A question used to ask whether someone is expected to do something and to show surprise it has not happened
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word isn't is a short form made by joining is and not, with an apostrophe, the small mark ' that shows the missing letter. So, isn't is the quick way to say 'is not' when you make a negative sentence or ask a negative question.