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Tamguatlay Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Is vs isn't

Kenny is rarely late for his appointments, is/isn't he?

Which word should I use?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

The main clause is positive, so the reversed polarity tag is negative: Kenny is rarely late for his appointments, isn’t he ? This asks for confirmation of what is said in the main clause. The positive tag is also possible, but it would suggest surprise, disbelief, etc.

— RandomGuy

  • The main clause is positive, so the reversed polarity tag is negative: Kenny is rarely late for his appointments, isn’t he ?
  • This asks for confirmation of what is said in the main clause.
  • The positive tag is also possible, but it would suggest surprise, disbelief, etc.
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3 Answers
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The main clause is positive, so the reversed polarity tag is negative: Kenny is rarely late for his appointments, isn’t he? This asks for confirmation of what is said in the main clause.

The positive tag is also possible, but it would suggest surprise, disbelief, etc.
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Aspara GusThe main clause is positive, so the reversed polarity tag is negative: Kenny is rarely late for his appointments, isn’t he?
For me, the word 'rarely' has such a negative idea, that I would use the positive tag:

Kenny is never/rarely/seldom/hardly ever late, is he?
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He's rarely late, is he?
He's rarely late, isn't he?

Yes, I have a hunch native speakers would split pretty evenly on this. I've just said them to myself three times, and now I am totally confused. I'd scrap it and use "He isn't often late, is he?" instead.
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