isn't

It isn't raining outside.

Definition

1. Contraction:
   • Short form of "is not": "isn't" is a contracted form used to negate the third-person singular present indicative of the verb "to be." It combines the verb "is" with the negative particle "not."

Usage Examples

• (He is not coming.)
• (That is not the correct answer.)
• (It is not raining.)

Advanced Usage

• Double negatives (informal): In some dialects or casual speech, "isn't" may appear in double-negative constructions, though this is non-standard.
  • There isn't no reason to worry. (Non-standard for "There is no reason to worry.")
• Tag questions: "isn't" is commonly used in tag questions to seek confirmation.
  • She's your sister, isn't she? (Seeking confirmation: "She is your sister, correct?")

Variants and Related Words

• Isn't is a contraction. Related forms of "to be" include:
  • Aren't (contraction of "are not")
  • Weren't (contraction of "were not")
  • Wasn't (contraction of "was not")
  • Don't (contraction of "do not") — though not directly related in meaning.

Synonyms

• Is not: the full, uncontracted form.
  • He is not here. (Equivalent to "He isn't here.")
• Isn't has no direct synonym; it is a syntactic variant of "is not."

Phrasal Verbs

• None: "isn't" is not used in phrasal verbs; it is a contracted auxiliary verb form.

Related Idioms

• "Isn't it?" (informal): Used as a rhetorical question or to express surprise.
  • This weather is lovely, isn't it? (Seeking agreement or expressing shared opinion.)
• "If it isn't [someone]!": An exclamation of surprise upon seeing someone.
  • Well, if it isn't my old friend John! (Expressing unexpected delight.)