LoginNegation: Nouns & Pronouns
In this lesson we learn about negating nouns and pronouns, diving into advanced grammatical constructions for expressing negation effectively. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Negative Nouns and Pronouns?
There are some words that can negate a noun and there are some pronouns that can negate a sentence. In this lesson, you will learn all the structures.
Negation of Nouns
"No", "none of", and "neither" are determiners. They are used directly before nouns to negate them. When these determiners negate the noun, the verb of the sentence remains affirmative.
No
"No" can be used before singular or plural nouns to show that no quantity or amount of that specific noun is present or included. Take a look at the examples:
There were no books left in the library about myths.
There's no butter left.
In signs and notices, 'no' usually comes before gerunds to show that something is not allowed. For example:
No smoking.
No fishing.
No vs. Any
'No' and 'any' have similar meanings. Their difference lies in their usage in sentences.
'No' is used with affirmative verbs and 'any' is used with the verb in negative form. 'No' is more formal and stronger. In spoken English, 'no' is often pronounced with stress. Take a look at the examples:
There's no reason to be upset. = There isn't any reason to be upset.
There are no oranges in the refrigerator. = There aren't any oranges in the refrigerator.
Tip!
'No' is used in some common fixed expressions such as no way, no chance, no good, no idea, and no problem.
-'Can you help me carry this bag?' +'No problem.'
-'Do you think she'll agree?' +'No way.'
None of
Just like 'no,' 'none of' acts as a determiner. However, unlike "no", it can be used before a noun phrase with a definite article (the) or possessive determiners and a plural noun, as well as before demonstrative pronouns and object pronouns. Here are some examples:
None of my friends came to my birthday party.
Don't believe what they're saying. None of it is true.
Warning
Do not use 'none' directly before nouns. Either use 'none' on its own (as a pronoun) or use 'none of' + noun.
No students in her class passed the test. (or 'None of the students in her class...')
Do not say: None students in her class...
Neither
"Neither" is used to indicate lack or absence of two things. It marks both negation and number. In other words, when "neither" is used, the noun it modifies is singular and the verb of the sentence is also singular and affirmative. Look at the examples:
Neither book was interesting.
Although "neither" refers to two things, the noun it modifies must be singular because "neither" shows the number.
Neither option is suitable.
Negative Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns (those created by the prefix 'no-') can negate a sentence. Like other indefinite pronouns, these can act as subject or object of the sentence. When these pronouns are used in the sentence, the verb remains affirmative. Some of the most common negative pronouns are:
No one likes being criticized.
Nowhere is overpopulation a more serious issue than in China.
Nothing would make me happy at the moment.
I have two dresses, but neither fits me.
Review
Nouns can be negated using determiners. There are also negative pronouns that can negate the sentence. In both these cases, the verb of the sentence remains affirmative. some of the common negative determiners and pronouns are no, none of, neither, nobody, nowhere, no one, etc.
No oil is left in the pan.
None of his friends answered his letters.
Nobody likes living alone in a small cottage like this.
"How many shots have you had?" "I had none."
Quiz:
Which of the following sentences uses a negative determiner or pronoun correctly?
Neither the books on the shelf were interesting.
There are no cars in the parking lot.
None of them doesn't want to go to the concert.
No one of the students passed the exam.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Match the negative noun or pronoun to its correct usage.
Fill in the blank with the correct negative determiner or pronoun.
There were
apples left in the basket after the picnic.
knows the answer to this question.
the books were returned to the library.
dress seems suitable for the occasion.
There was
left to say after the argument.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses "neither" as a determiner.
Neither options appeals to me.
Neither of options appeal to me.
Neither option appeal to me.
Neither of option appeals to me.
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