"Negation" is the process that turns an affirmative statement into its opposite denial.
Negation is the process that turns an affirmative statement (e.g. "I speak English") into its opposite denial (e.g. "I do not speak English").
Questions tagged [negation]
694 questions
16
votes
4 answers
What does "I never stopped to think of it" mean?
I saw what I thought was a double negative in this sentence from Norwegian Wood
I never stopped to think of it as something that would make a lasting impression.
The double negative in this sentence really confuses me. I interpret it as "I'm…
HFX
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11
votes
4 answers
"No, I didn't see him" vs "Yes, I didn't see him"
Bob didn't come to office today.
I was asked "Didn't you see Bob today?"
Should I say "Yes, I didn't see him today" or "No, I didn't see him today"?
jorel
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9
votes
3 answers
"He needn't say" / "He doesn't need to say"
When I studied English at school (in Italy, more than 35 years ago), we were taught a rule according to which one should say, e. g., "He needn't (need not) say", but NOT "He doesn't need to say".
If I'm not mistaken, it was explained to us that the…
Tommaso Borri
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9
votes
1 answer
What is the difference between "there's no" and "there's not"? When to use "not" and when to use "no"?
As we know, not and no are different words, which is why I don't know if there is a difference between "there's no" and "there's not".
This diagram shows that the two forms are used and this makes me think that they are both acceptable.
My question…
Lucian Sava
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7
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The use of 'no good' and 'not good' in this context
This radio is no good. It does not work properly.
This radio is not good. It does not work properly.
Which sentence is proper? Can anyone give other such instances?
Maulik V
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6
votes
2 answers
"I will no longer use these tools any more." Is this sentence correct? if not why?
Would you please elaborate your explanations on the reason why the following would be incorrect?
I will no longer use these tools any more
Thanks in advance
nima
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6
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1 answer
Trapped with this language. Answering with 'yes' OR 'no' is not working!
This is a trap. How is it possible that putting 'yes' or 'no' does not change the meaning of the sentence?
_________, I don't have brain (yes/no) __________, I'm not a man (yes/no)
Is it grammatically wrong? If not, why the meanings remain the…
Maulik V
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6
votes
3 answers
Negation 'Not active' vs. 'Inactive'
Is it correct to say 'The account will remain not active'? Can we use 'not' in such a position in the sentence? Or is it better to say 'The account will remain inactive'? What grammar rule is applied here?
Eugenia Ovcharenko
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2 answers
"I should have never dropped my guard so you could stab me in the back."
from a song:
(1) I should have never dropped my guard so you could stab me in the back.
my variant:
(2) I should have never dropped my guard so you couldn't stab me in the back.
As far as I understand, "so" in (1) and (2) means "in order that".
Is…
Loviii
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4
votes
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Extra negative in subordinate clause
In Practical English Usage section 370.7, Michael Swan writes:
extra negative in expressions of doubt
In informal standard spoken English, a negative verb (without a negative meaning) is sometimes used after expressions of doubt or uncertainty.
He…
Dmitrii Bundin
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3
votes
1 answer
What does 'there has never been' mean?
There has never been a better time to be a learner.
I am confused with the above sentence because I feel that it means being a learner is not a good thing. I think the writer meant 'being a learner now is better' so I feel that it should be 'there…
Elmahy
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3
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1 answer
Difference between "no" and "not"
Please tell me which of the following sentence is correct and why?
It is no good asking him for help.
It is not good asking him for help.
Please explain the usage of no and not. Are they adverbs or adjectives or something else?
user45910
3
votes
2 answers
Adding "no" to the beginning of a sentence to negate it
A: "Let's eat."
B: "No let's eat." (I don't want to eat)
A: "Wash your hands."
B: "No wash your hands." (I don't want to wash my hands)
A: "I am going shopping."
B: "No I am going shopping." (don't go shopping)
Are those sentences starting with NO…
Joe Kim
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3
votes
3 answers
'I have nothing' vs. 'I don't have anything'
What is the difference in meaning between the following sentences?
I have nothing.
I don't have anything.
Elberich Schneider
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3
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How to use 'not'? Can you use 'not' after a verb?
Can you use not after a verb? Is there a correct way to use not? Are these examples correct/ interchangeable? If not what is the difference?
Speak not against my father / do not speak against my father
Fear not the dark/ Do not fear the dark
I did…
user104431
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