That's John, isn't it?

Question

That is the last bus, isn't it?That is Tom, isn't it?Are those question tags all correct? Especially the second one, is it true to use "it" to refer to somebody? Thank you for your explanation!

Haohaoxuexi · Accepted Answer

the second one should be "isn't he?"   I also want to know.

Marius Hancu · Answer

Both correct.

See at the BBC:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=site%3Abbc.co.uk+%22him+isn%27t+it%22+&btnG=Google+Search

It is used not to refer to somebody, but to the situation, meaning:

Is the situation the way I described it?

Philip · Answer

Marius HancuBoth correct.

See at the BBC:

It is used not to refer to somebody, but to the situation, meaning:

Is the situation the way I described it?

I'm glad to see this explanation, as I otherwise wouldn't have been able to defend my natural choice of 'it', which I prefer not to use with people.

Doll · Answer

Marius Hancu
It is used not to refer to somebody, but to the situation, meaning:

Is the situation the way I described it?

Wow. What a good explanation! Thanks Marius.

That's John, isn't it?

That is the last bus, isn't it?

That is Tom, isn't it?

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