Negation: Nouns & Pronouns
In this lesson, we will learn about negative structures with nouns and pronouns. Do we have negative pronouns? How can we make a negative noun?
What Are Negative Nouns?
There are some words that can negate a noun or sometimes there are some nouns that can negate a sentence. In this lesson, you will learn all the structures.
Negation with 'No'
'No' and 'none of' are determiners. We use them directly before nouns. They indicate negation. Have a look:
There were
There's
In signs and notices, 'no' usually comes before gerunds to show that something is not allowed.
Negation with None of
Just like 'no,' 'none of' acts like a determiner, too. it comes before 'the,' demonstratives 'this,' 'that,' 'possessives' or 'pronouns.' When we use 'none of' in the sentence, we should not use a negative verb.
Don't believe what they're saying.
Warning
Do not use 'none' directly before nouns. Either use 'none' alone (as a pronoun) or use 'none of' + noun.
Do not say: None students in her class...
Negative Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns (those created by the prefix 'no-') have the power to make a sentence negative. They do not need a negative verb. The most common ones are:
No or Not Any?
'No' and 'not any' have almost the same meaning.
'No' is used with the verb in affirmative form and 'any' is used with the verb in negative form.
There
There
negation with the word 'no'
Tip
'No' plus noun is more formal and makes the negative stronger. In spoken English, 'no' is often pronounced with stress.
No or Not a/an?
With nouns that have ungradable meanings, you should not use no + noun.
By 'ungradable meaning,' we mean nouns that are either something or another. They don't have a comparative meaning.
A carrot is
Do not say: A carrot is no fruit.
An apple is not a fruit.
Do not say: An apple is no fruit.
With nouns that have gradable meanings, you can use both 'no' or 'not.' They mean the same.
Mike is
'Idiot' is gradable. Someone can be more of an idiot than someone else.
Answering a Question with 'No'
We often use 'no' to answer to a yes-no question, or to agree with a negative statement. Do not use 'not' in this way.
Common Expressions with No
We use 'no' in some common fixed expressions such as:
- no way
- no chance
- no good
- no idea
- no problem
'Can you help me carry this bag?' '
'Do you think she'll agree?' '
Review
There are two ways to make a sentence negative. One is to add not to the verb and the other is to add some terms to the noun or pronoun that imply negative meaning and therefore negate the whole sentence.
The terms are:
No:
None of:
Nobody:
No one:
None:
"How many shots have you had?" "I had
Nothing:
Nowhere:
They had
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