Negative questions begin with a negative auxiliary (Isn’t, Don’t, Haven’t…). They are used to express surprise, to invite agreement, to make polite suggestions and to show criticism. The contraction is normal in speech; the formal version separates “not”: Is it not beautiful?
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Isn't / Aren't / Don't / Haven't + subject …? | Isn't it beautiful today? |
| Why don't / Why didn't + subject …? | Why don't we leave now? |
| Don't you think …? | Don't you think we should go? |
When to use it
- Surprise: Aren't you coming? (I expected you to come.)
- Invitation to agree: Isn't she lovely?
- Suggestion: Why don't we eat out tonight?
- Criticism or complaint: Can't you be quiet?
Examples
- Isn't it a lovely day?
- Don't you want to come with us?
- Haven't you finished yet?
- Why didn't you tell me?
- Wouldn't it be better to wait?
- Aren't you tired?
Common mistakes
- Answering confusingly: to “Don’t you like it?” Yes, I do = I like it; No, I don’t = I don’t like it (the answer matches the fact).
- Using “do” with be: Don't you are happy? → Aren't you happy?
- Statement order: You don't like it? is only for very informal speech.