Negation: Nouns & Pronouns for intermediate learners

negation negative pro-forms no

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?

intermediate advanced

Negation of Nouns and Pronouns in the English Grammar

What Are Negative Nouns and Pronouns?

In English, there are some specific words that can be used to negate nouns and pronouns. In this lesson, we will learn all about them.

Negation with 'No'

'No' is a determiner. It can be used directly before nouns and make them negative. Remember that the verb of the sentence must be affirmative. Take a look at the following examples:

There are no apples here.

There's no milk in the fridge.

Tip!

'No' can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.

We can also use 'no' in signs and notices. Study the following examples please:

No talking.

No entry.

No or Not a/an?

When we have gradable nouns, we can use both 'no' and 'not' to negate them. Check out the following examples:

Sheila is no genius. She is in fact an idiot. ( Or 'Sheila is not a genius...)

However, when we have non-gradable nouns, we mainly use 'not'. Take a look at the following examples:

This is not an apple.

(Not this is no apple)

Negative Pronouns

In English, there are some indefinite pronouns that have a negative meaning. They are used in affirmative sentences. These pronouns include:

Now, let us see how some of them are used in sentences:

Nobody is ever that busy.

Nowhere is this peaceful except for the beach.

Nothing is going to stop me.

Answering Questions with 'No'

We can also use 'no' on its own to give a negative answer to a yes/no question. Take a look at the following example:

A : Are you going somewhere?

B : No.