is it

Is It as a Confirmation Tag

Level 5

This local tag is not limited to a sentence whose verb is is.

How It Works

A Tag That Stays the Same
After You sent the form already, local is it? can ask for confirmation. The tag does not need to become did you or have you to function in this construction.

The Whole Proposition Is Checked
Context tells the listener which information is uncertain. A matching Standard English tag is another available choice; it is not an error simply because the local invariant tag also exists.

Do Not Add It Everywhere
A statement can stand alone. This tag checks information or an understanding, and the voice can make the check neutral, surprised, or pointed.

Examples (3)

  1. You sent the form already, is it?

    Have you sent the form already?

    The speaker checks whether the action has been completed.

  2. They taking the later train, is it?

    They are taking the later train, are they?

    The tag stays is it even though the subject is they.

  3. She cannot come tomorrow, is it?

    So she cannot come tomorrow?

    The speaker checks a negative statement they have just heard.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

is itLevel 5Is It as a Confirmation Tag

Learn This First

Recognize the proposition being checked before reading an invariant confirmation tag.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.