We often use a negative question like “Isn’t this…?” or “Aren’t you…?” in conversation. Technically, these are not questions for asking something. They are a casual and friendly way to confirm something or make a suggestion.
For example, if you and your friend are at the peir on a sunny day, you might say: “Isn’t this a perfect day for fishing?” You’re not really asking for information — you’re confirming what you already think.
Or if you’re making a suggestion, you can use the same pattern. Like: “It’s almost 5pm. Isn’t it better to take the subway?” Here, you’re giving your suggestion in the form of a question.
So remember, negative questions like “Isn’t it…?” and “Aren’t you…?” are great for confirming ideas or suggesting something in a very natural, conversational way. “Isn’t that interesting!” So, aren’t you gonna try to use this kind of English in your conversations?
FAQ
Question:How to we use negative questions for suggesting and confirming?
Answer: Here are some examples from this lesson: “Aren’t these donuts delicious!” and “The exam is a week away. Shouldn’t you start studying?”
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