How to Use Negative Questions｜Expressing Confirmation and Surprise

In English, questions are not only used to ask for information but also to confirm something with the listener or to express surprise. This is where negative questions come in.

Negative questions, such as “Isn’t it…?” or “Don’t you…?”, add nuance and depth to a conversation, making them an important structure in spoken English.

In this lesson, I will explain how negative questions are formed and how they are commonly used.

1. How to Form Negative Questions

A negative question is made by adding not to a regular question. There are two main forms:

The contracted form is commonly used in everyday conversation, while the full form is often chosen in formal situations or when a more polite nuance is desired.

2. Main Uses of Negative Questions

2-1. To Express Surprise or Seek Confirmation

This use conveys the nuance of “I thought so, but isn’t it different?”

Unlike simple fact-based questions, negative questions often reflect the speaker’s expectation or surprise.

2-2. To Soften Invitations or Suggestions

Using a negative question can make an invitation or suggestion sound more polite and less direct.

Compared to straightforward forms like “Will you join us?”, these negative questions sound more courteous and considerate.

2-3. To Press for Agreement

Negative questions can also be used to confirm agreement, as in “Don’t you think so?”

This usage is convenient when you want the listener to confirm or support your opinion.

3. Summary

Izumi

Author

「English Morning｜基礎から学ぶ英語講座」を運営している泉（Izumi）です。このサイトでは基礎から応用まで、英語の文法を解説しています。