Negation: Nouns & Pronouns For Intermediate learners

In this lesson we learn about negating nouns and pronouns, focusing on how negative words like "no," "none," and "nobody" modify the meaning of sentences. Improve with simple explanations and examples.

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:

Example

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:

Example

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:

Example

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:

Example

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:

Example

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.

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