“Why is it not red?” or “Why isn't it red?”

Question

If I want to ask the reason why something is not red, which sentence is the correct one?

"Why is it not red?" or "Why isn't it red?"

Thank you!

Mark Thorin · Accepted Answer · 2013-10-12 04:25:11Z

2

British English:

"Why is it not red?" implies a surprise: usually things of this kind are green.
"Why isn't it red?" is more of a question: "For what reason this thing is not red?" (I would have considered it as possible.)

answered Oct 12 '13 at 4:25

Mark Thorin

Since you've said this is a difference between BrE and AmE I suppose I can't correct you, but this sounds like splitting hairs to me. I don't see a practical difference between the two. – WendiKidd Oct 12 '13 at 22:27

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migrated from english.stackexchange.com Oct 12 '13 at 10:10