Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nn0831]

Could anybody tell me the difference between

"Is he a pilot? -- No, he's not. He's a doctor."
and
"Is he a pilot? -- No, he isn't. He's a doctor"?

I don't think there is that big difference between the two,
but if you were asked the question above, how would you answer?
Or if you were an English teacher, which do you think would be better to
teach to your students?

[2006]

1...Since you added "He's a doctor.", all you need to say is "No, he's a doctor."

2...If you don't add the 'doctor' part, you can say "No he's not." or "No, he isn't." They are equally acceptable and there is no difference in meaning. The only difference is which two words you combine with the apostrophe.
You also could just say "No."