Negation For beginners

In this lesson, we learn about sentence negation, which is the process of making sentences negative using words like "not". Simple explanations and easy examples to understand their use.

Negation in English Grammar

What Is Negation?

Negation involves making a sentence negative to show that something is not true or does not happen.

Two Negative Words

Two words are commonly used in English to make a sentence negative:

No

'No' is used as a negative answer to a yes/no question.

A:

Is there any cake left for me?

B:

No! Sorry!

It can also come before a noun to make a negative sentence and to show negation.

Example

We have no time to celebrate.

He has no friends.

Not

'Not' is the most common word used with verbs to show negation. For example:

Example

I am not a student.

The short form of 'not' is 'n't' and it often comes after auxiliary verbs or modal verbs to make the sentence negative.

Example

She isn't working on Friday.

I can't sing.

Quiz:


1.

Which sentence uses "no" correctly?

A

I no happy.

B

We have no money.

C

She no working on Friday.

D

They no understand English.

2.

Which sentence correctly uses "not"?

A

I not happy.

B

He has not friends.

C

She is not coming to the party.

D

You not allowed to park here.

3.

Which sentence uses the correct form for negation?

A

I am no going to the meeting.

B

She is not happy with the decision.

C

He can no attend the event.

D

She has not worries.

4.

Sort the words to form a correct sentence.

for
.
cake
is
you
there
left
no
5.

Fill the blanks with the correct word to make the sentence negative.

A: Is there any food left for me? B:

! Sorry!

She is

going to the concert because she has a lot of work to do.

He could

find his keys anywhere, so he was late to work.

We have

idea what happened during the meeting.

I'm

a teacher; I’m a student.

no
not

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