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Amn't I

(36 Posts)
ninathenana Sat 20-Jul-19 12:00:06

It's 'probly' (local pronunciation)' a regional thing. I've never heard amn't I.

sodapop Sat 20-Jul-19 09:11:32

I've heard "amn't I " and must admit it doesn't flow well for me. As crazyH said its probably the three consonants together.

BBbevan Sat 20-Jul-19 06:58:44

My mother always said 'I think not'. She said 'I don't think' was wrong as you do think. ! I always thought it was just one of her foibles but it does make sense

Jangran99 Fri 19-Jul-19 23:50:16

In everyday use here in Scotland, written and spoken form. Who said 'amn't I' is wrong?

MaizieD Fri 19-Jul-19 23:42:46

I am grumpy, am not I?

But that's not the common word order for the last few words, is it? Wouldn't it be '...am I not?' (Though I confess I'd say '..aren't I')

Is it just dialect from your part of the world, FarNorth? I've lived in Essex, Yorkshire, and now the NE, and I've never heard anyone say 'amn't I'. I can't recall that I've ever seen it in Austen, either.

FarNorth Fri 19-Jul-19 22:50:33

We don't say 'I amn't' either but at least we replace it with 'I'm not'.

crazyH Fri 19-Jul-19 22:49:05

I've wondered that too.....probably 3 consonants together?....mnt ?

BradfordLass72 Fri 19-Jul-19 22:47:31

Jane Austen and her contemporaries used it but I suppose we have altered it over time for easier vocal use in the lamentable way people are changing probably to 'prolly'.
I am grumpy, am not I?

I are grumpy, are not I? doesn't quite sound right does it smile but as a contraction it seems to work. wink

Tangerine Fri 19-Jul-19 22:42:27

I suppose it's just how the English language has evolved.

Bathsheba Fri 19-Jul-19 22:41:02

I'm with you on this - I've always thought the Irish have this the right way.

FarNorth Fri 19-Jul-19 22:37:30

Can anyone explain why 'amn't I' is wrong and we have to say 'aren't I'?