Learn English with English, baby!

Join for FREE!

Social_nav_masthead_logged_in

English Forums

Use our English forums to learn English. The message boards are great for English questions and English answers. The more you contribute, the more all members can practice English!

:  

Ask Ebaby! Teachers Go Super!

Ain't it sad?

inna2012

Ukraine

Hello! Could you explain where have I use the phrase “Ain’t it…?” And what the differenfe between “Isn’t it…?” and this one? Thanks a lot!


01:39 PM Apr 02 2012 |

Go Super to Ask Ebaby! teachers your questions! Go Super!

The iTEP® test

  • Schedule an iTEP® test and take the official English Practice Test.

    Take Now >

anges491

anges491

Russian Federation

Hi, Inna. “Ain’t” is the slang (street talk) and can replace all the forms of “to be” (am, is, are etc) in sentences. As it is slang, it’s better to use it only in informal situations, like with friends or close people. Never use it in formal situations! This is what I know about it. I hope, Amy will correct if anything mentioned is wrong.

06:57 PM Apr 02 2012 |

Teacher AmySuper Member!

United States

Hi, Inna! Anges’ answer is perfect! “Ain’t” is slang that replaces “isn’t it” in very informal situations. Here is an example:


Friend 1: Did you hear about Alex and Amanda breaking up?


Friend 2: Yep. Ain’t it sad?


Like Anges said, this is very informal slang. We really draw attention to the fact that we’re speaking informally when we use it.


Amy

03:45 PM Apr 03 2012 |