Learn English Grammar, Vocabulary
Practical English Usage, Writing
Grammar terms and Speaking

Reference Desk
Home
English Grammar
Practical English Usage
Grammatical Terms
English Writing
Vocabulary
English Speaking
Business English
TOEFL
IELTS

Interactive Pages
English grammar and vocabulary exercises

 

 

Negative forms

When there is more than one auxiliary verb, we make negative forms by putting not after the first auxiliary verb.

    • They have not been invited.
    • She has not come.
    • I cannot come.

When be (is, am, are, was, were) is the main verb, we make negative forms by putting not after be.

    • She is not ready.
    • You are not late.
    • I was not surprised.

When have is the main verb, we make negative forms by putting do not before have.

    • They do not have a car.
    • He does not have a good job.

When there are no auxiliary verbs, we make negative forms by putting do not before the verb. After do not we use the infinitive without to.

    • Money does not grow on trees.
    • She did not come.

Before infinitives and -ing forms, we use not to make negative forms.

    • It is important not to be late.
    • The best thing about a computer is not complaining.

Negative questions

Negative questions can be contracted or uncontracted. Contracted negative questions have the word order auxiliary verb + n't + subject. They are less formal.

    • Can't we wait?
    • Won't she come?
    • Hasn't she any friends to invite?

Uncontracted negative questions have the word order auxiliary verb + subject + not .

    • Can we not wait?
    • Will she not come?
    • Has she not any friends to invite?

 

Search the Dictionary of Practical English Usage

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z
Show Full Index

 

Google