[Grammar] Tag Questions

[Ange99]

I'm confused about the function of the word "NOT" in tag questions. Assume it is cold outside. If is say "It's cold outside, isn't it?" the correct answer is "Yes".

However, I seem to be stating that it is cold outside and then asking "Is it NOT cold outside". If I ask "Is it NOT cold outside, I am asking if it is warm outside. So by expansion, it seems like the statement resolves to "It's cold outside, is it warm outside?" To which the answer should be "No".

My question is: How does the word NOT function in the contraction "Isn't it?" What is it negating?

 

[teechar]

My question is: How does the word "not" function in the contraction "Isn't it?" What is it negating?

It's not negating anything. Its function is as a confirmatory device. Think of "Isn't it?" as "Don't you think so?"

 

[PeterCW]

It makes the statement open for a reply, inviting the other person to engage in a longer conversation.

 

[TheParser]

NOT A TEACHER



1. I have found a fascinating explanation from David, the (sole?) moderator at the grammar forum "Grammar Exchange."

a. He feels that one can analyze the tag question as: "It is cold outside, is it not [cold outside]?"


This computer illiterate senior citizen cannot link. Sorry! Just go to Google and type in these words: The Grammar Exchange. "It's cold outside."

Edit (from mod) - Here's the relevant link: https://thegrammarexchange.infopop.cc/topics



P.S. Many thanks to the mod for the link.