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"I am happy, aren't I?"

Falconer,
Thanks for the reply. What you wrote is correct, but as per rule it should be amn't I. May i know why there is such a special status to this particular sentence, wherein the grammar rule position doesn't apply.
regards,
sri

Probably because "amn't" is an incredibly awkward word. I'm sure there's someone who can give a better account of the etymology of the term. Of course, in writing you should probably avoid the contraction entirely, even if "am I not" does sound stiff.

Dear Falconer,
Thanks for sparing your valuable time to my question. Hope to receive more answers in the near future. Let us share our knowledge each other in the future as well.
with high regards,
sri

English does not have the contraction amn't. It is always changed to aren't.

CJ

CalifJimEnglish does not have the contraction amn't. It is always changed to aren't.

CJ


I've read somewhere that Scottish actually use that.

What about ain't I? (it's nonstandard but heard sometimes)

CalifJimEnglish does not have the contraction amn't. It is always changed to aren't.

CJ

Amn't is, in fact, a valid contraction in some forms of English, chiefly in Scottish—as pointed out—and Irish (I believe). This doesn't mean that one should use it, mind.

Ain't should probably be avoided entirely, unl

Hello, sreesri:

In my non-expert opinion:

(a) I am happy, am I not?

(b) I am happy, aren't I?

(1) Native speakers use (b) because (a) is too long and too formal.

(2) You may say only "aren't." You may NOT say, "are not I."

(3) Of course, "are" does not match "I," but this is an exception to the rule.

(c) VERY "bad" English: I am