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#2 (permalink) Fri Feb 20, 2009 20:52 pm Isn't it? or Is not it? |
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Hi Gray,
I think you can hear why if you say aloud: 'Is not it?' As with much in language, words and constructions are adapted to suit the way we speak.
Alan _________________ English as a Second Language You can read my ESL story Are you fancy free? |
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Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 9215 Location: UK
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#3 (permalink) Fri Feb 20, 2009 21:23 pm Isn't it? or Is not it? |
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Hi Alan,
Many such things keep me in doubt but now I have made it a routine to clear those doubts at the end of the day (literally), so that I could find myself more confident the next day.
One addition to it is -- reading the articles cited in your signature. I just read "Raphsody of words" and I liked it a lot. Let me try deciphering the question you asked at the end --
"But back to Shakespeare I wonder what he would make of it all. One thing is for sure, he certainly hasn't yet reached his sell by date — and that's an expression for you to decipher!"
I guess it is a complement to the greatest writer in the English language. Indeed, Shakespeare is still amongst us through words. _________________ First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English |
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Gray I'm here quite often ;-)

Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 972 Location: Proxima Centauri
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#4 (permalink) Fri Feb 20, 2009 21:56 pm Isn't it? or Is not it? |
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Hi Gray,
Apart from what Alan said, I'd like to point out that the thing you are looking for is 'Is it not?' Also, be wary with the spelling of 'compliment'.
Best regards |
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SkiIucK I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 744
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#5 (permalink) Sat Feb 21, 2009 6:39 am Isn't it? or Is not it? |
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| SkiIucK wrote: |
| Apart from what Alan said, I'd like to point out that the thing you are looking for is 'Is it not?' |
No, I was just curious about the usage of "Is not it". So, do you mean "Is it not" has replaced the "Is not it"?
| SkiIucK wrote: |
| Also, be wary with the spelling of 'compliment'. |
Thanks a lot. (my compliment)  _________________ First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English |
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Gray I'm here quite often ;-)

Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 972 Location: Proxima Centauri
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| For vs to (Planing is important for/to long-term success) | 'in my school days' vs 'during my school days' vs 'on my school days' |