Which is preferred, "it's not" or "it isn't"?

Question

This question has been rattling around in my head for weeks now.

Is there a different connotation for either?
Is one 'more correct' than the other?

Or are they completely equal?

Can you give me other examples of similar contractions, where one would be more preferred over the other?

Answer 1

I prefer "it isn't"
I believe the "proper grammer" states it isn't because when you break it down
something can't "not"
like it isn't red
what's not red? it
it's not like that
its is a plural word it would have to be its' something like that anyway?

Answer 2

It's not: contraction for [it is] NOT
It isn't: contraction for IT [is not].
Both literally say "It is not".
The only shade of difference for me is where the emphasis is. "It's not" slurs over the 'it is' part and emphasizes NOT.
"It isn't" slurs over the 'is not' part and emphasizes IT.
If you're going for formality, "it is not" is preferred. If you're not writing a paper or something, and formality isn't an issue, I'd go with "It isn't" unless there's some reason extra emphasis is needed to express the negation of the subject beyond what "it isn't" already delivers.

Answer 3

Hi, i'm not that good at english, but i just wanted to thank you for canswering my question so quickly. It is people like you that don't procrastinate and make the world go round. Thank you so much!

Answer 4

They are both completely equal (in conversation) but in writing it would need to be written in full (it is not).

Answer 5

to show possession, use it's i.e. it's house, it's car, etc
to make a negative, use it isn't

"it's not" is incorrect but "it's knot" could be correct.

Answer 6

it is not is the right one while speaking

Answer 7

Good - It's not.

Better - It isn't.

Best - It is not.

Answer 8

"It isn't" was what we were taught at language school...

Answer 9

it isn't