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:
Choose the correct sentence based on the difference between "no" and "any".
There isn’t no reason to be upset.
There is any reason to be upset.
There is no reason to be upset.
There is no any reason to be upset.
Sort the words to make a sentence.
Which of the following sentences uses a negative pronoun to negate the sentence?
None of them knows the answer.
Nobody knows the answer.
No knows the answer.
Neither don't know the answer.
Match each word or sentence fragment with the correct ending.
Fill in the blank with the correct negative determiner or pronoun. (There is one extra option.)
There are
oranges left in the fridge.
my friends knew about the surprise party.
wanted to speak to the manager.
I have two tickets, but
is for the concert I want to attend.
is as enchanting as the old forest in autumn.
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